Auschwitz: Inside the Nazi State (2005) User Reviews (26)

The BBC does it again

[jason-210 · 10/10 · 6 March 2007]

This is a superbly produced documentary, based largely on information that has come to light since information from the eastern bloc countries and former Soviet Union became accessible.

The documentary comprises mainly of interviews with surviving SS soldiers and surviving prisoners from the Auschwitz and similar camps. It uses CGI special effects, combined with film of the Auschwitz camps to achieve the most realistic reconstruction of how it looked, and how it operated. Dramatisations of various meetings and events have been authentically reconstructed with well cast actors.

The stories from the survivors, particular in the episode about children, are the most moving I've ever seen in a documentary. The combination of original photographs, moving music and a first hand account from a survivor make these stories most poignant.

It does not demonize the Nazi's, but gives in insight into the mentality that pervaded the regime. It shows them as lacking empathy. We see evidence that not only the Germans, but many French, many Hungarians and many Slovakians were only too willing to help deport their Jews; even the British Police, on the Nazi occupied Channel Islands, were willing to send Jews to the east. Finally, the documentary shows how the surviving Jews, or their return to their homeland, were treated badly by their fellow countrymen.

This documentary shows that what happened in the holocaust happened because humans, not just Nazi's, are capable doing terrible things to humanity, given a certain set of circumstances.

Unrivalled and excellent

[ferdinand1932 · 9/10 · 3 November 2005]

TV often fails to convey complex information: both in facts and emotionally; instead it mostly serves up the obvious with images to trick our eyes.

This documentary sets a new standard: the research is impeccable, the interviews gripping, the production perfect in every respect and finally the horror, the terrible horror of what humans can do, is absolutely clear. A history book could not do a better job.

One of the best and bravest aspects of the series is when the interviewers ask a person how they felt about a murder they committed: did they regret it, how do they feel about it now? Those interactions make it worth watching the series alone.

So far the most complete audiovisual work about the biggest factory of death of all the times.

[olivbcn · 10/10 · 9 March 2005]

Laurence Rees tells the most appalling story you have ever heard. Though the documentary is centred on the history of Auschwitz concentration and extermination camp, it also explains the Holocaust as a whole. 'Auschwitz' is made up of 4 elements: Dramatic reconstruction with native actors, high quality computer generated imagery, interviews of eye-witnesses, and astonishing archive footage. The actors play honestly their characters, and perfectly show the unforgivable and cold minded zeal of SS men. The interviews of (former?) Nazis and victims give a crucial human touch to this documentary. The BBC proves, one more time, that quality can go along with TV programme.

A harrowing and truthful watch - this is absolute BBC gold.

[general-melchett · 10/10 · 14 October 2006]

2005 was a good year for the BBC. They had Rome, they resurrected the Doctor Who franchise - but before all that, they created Auschwitz - The Nazis and the "Final Solution", which was, without doubt, their best WWII show yet. This harrowing account of what life was like inside the Nazi death camp uses real life footage, powerful and realistic dramatization sequences, and interviews with people who were there to create one of the most powerful mini-series ever broadcast on television. It shows the horrors of Auschwitz and other death camps in Germany and Poland to a generation who have never been forced to endure it, and uses the latest computer trickery to show to you the atrocious conditions in which the Jews lived. This is more than just a mini-series - it is a masterpiece, and lets everybody know that we are not to let things like this ever happen again. From the first to the final episode, I watched it with amazement, learning more and more about what happened in Europe over 60 years ago, and thinking "Why?". It is not the sort of thing you should watch for enjoyment - you watch it to remember those who died at Auschwitz, and think about their struggles and fears, and hope that no race ever treats another people like that ever again.

If you can see this show, do see it, as it is a harrowing, powerful, and well-researched tribute to the six million people who died because of the immense cruelty of the Nazis. A must-see. 10/10

Harrowing, but honest account of humanity's darkest hour.

[paul-archer11 · 23 February 2005]

I'm not a Jew so I have no axe to grind.

This is probably the most comprehensive account of the most infamous death-camp of them all. Not only are ex-inmates interviewed, but also ex-SS guards who are extraordinarily candid about their work & their attitude to the prisoners. The whole machinery involved in the organisation & efficiency of what amounted to an entire murder camp system.

This 6 part documentary cannot be ignored, once you have seen the evidence & heard the testimony there will be no doubt in your mind. It did happen & it was done by people not much different from the rest of us.

It cannot be allowed to happen again.

Quality work from BBC.

[SimonHeide · 8/10 · 15 January 2008]

This is the story of the Nazi concentration camp of Auschwitz. We follow it from the very beginning in 1940 until its liberation by Russian troops in January 1945. We also get a glimpse of the aftermath in the form of the Nuremberg trials and we follow the destiny of central figures in the extermination of Jews, Gypsys, Russian POWs and political prisoners from mainly Poland. One of the most unpleasant aspects of this story is that some of the survivors of the camps has lead a miserable life after the war as they were not welcomed by various reasons when they returned home.

The series contains 6 episodes of about 45 minutes each. It is build up by interviews of former prisoners as well as a couple of guards. There is also extensive footage in the form of photography, film-clips and various documents.

In an attempt to make the story come more alive the producers have also hired German actors to play out the role of central figures in Auschwitz; Rudolf Höss, Adolf Eichman, Heinrich Himmler and Dr. Joseph Mengele to name a few. With the help of computer techniques the buildings of Auschwitz has been rebuild in order to get a view of how the camp looked like with specific attention to the gas-chambers and the barracks were the prisoners lived.

So a lot of work has been put into telling the story of one of the darkest chapters in human history. It is truly a depressing tale that leaves you with the big (and unanswered) question: how could this happen? And how can we avoid this happening again? For some reason BBC has chosen not to interview other than eye witnesses and therefore I personally was missing the explanation that a historian, sociologist etc could give to the phenomenon of Holocaust. As a psychologist myself I wondered about this; how can the combination of hatred and discipline be stronger than empathy with the prisoners? Empathy is not something that we choose but something that is always there. So how could those that were involved with the slaughtering of the prisoners not empathize with them? Maybe they did empathize with them after all - but empathy does not always lead to sympathy. It can also lead to sadism I think. Either way, the ability to empathize would dictate that the Germans were not unaffected by their actions which we also are told. Höss never liked the killings and especially in the beginning when it was done by shooting it made him uneasy.

One of the more controversial stories that are being told is that the allied forces refused to bomb the railroad-tracks leading to Auschwitz although they knew what was going on and although they were bombing IG Farben only 6 kilometers away. We have an eyewitness from Auschwitz telling us, that she saw the airplanes from the allied forces flying by and from an air photo of the camp we see that it is easy to identify the crematorium. Why didn't the allied forces drop a few bombs? This is really beyond me and makes me wonder if the allied had some sort of hidden agenda.

Another more controversial story is the story of the Hungarian Jews. The Germans apparently tried to bargain with their lives and wanted trucks in exchange of Jews. In a document from the allied forces we learn that it was seen as "blackmail" and that the allied forces saw a big problem in getting around 700.000 (I think) Jews to house and to feed. So the consequence was that they went straight to Auschwitz and the gas chambers.

Especially one interview with a guard by the name of Oskar Gröning is remembered; he is without remorse but decided to participate when he learned that theHolocaust by some people are being denied. The lack of remorse is interesting. It is tempting to understand the absence of this as a result of defense mechanisms at work.

I will not give this top rating as there was too much description and too little explanation. I also think that it was unnecessary to employ actors. A good narrative could have done the work instead. On the other hand you have the invaluable interviews with the eyewitnesses who will be dead and gone in a few years.

Regards Simon

One of the most important documentaries of our time

[alantas · 10/10 · 7 July 2011]

I watched a lot of documentaries about the Nazi state recently. My purpose is to understand the events, the effects, that led to this horrendous massacre. This one is definitely one of the best in depth analysis and reconstruction of events. The main cause, everyone should watch these films beyond remembering, is that we still live in the system which produced the radical nationalist party that rose to power and destroyed 55 million people. Stupidity and despair hand in hand can go farther we can imagine. A lot of us think it can't happen again. But it can and is happening. No one can question the importance of these films ever. They should air this on every national television and then the people should be more aware, what it means when radicals march in uniforms on our streets as it happened not long ago in my country. Uniforms are banned, but that happened in Germany as well before they seized power. The threat is alive!

A lot of witnesses testify in this film, about the brutal truth. You may feel how crazy and surreal it all was. But the people who took part in the genocide felt justified to do it. And they thought they doing the right thing. If you want to understand in depth how it happened you may get closer by watching this film. Highly recommended!

Chilling, by any standard.

[herbstnebel2ss · 10/10 · 29 September 2006]

This documentary is probably the most incise ever made on Auschwitz and the final solution. From it's humble inception as a detainment center to the camps vast expansion as history's largest killing machine, no detail has been omitted.

Featured are archival footage of the camp along with reenactments based on historical documentation and eyewitness testimony from inmates and guards alike. Computer generated images show in frightening detail every aspect of the attempt to exterminate the Jewish people.

At five hours in length, many will consider the film far too long. However if you are searching for a fact filled account of how this and the entire concentration camp system was operated, then this epic should be watched. This feature is narrated by actress Linda Hunt in a matter of fact monologue, but the images presented are what hold your attention.

In the beginning, Auschwitz was constructed by Russian POW's, most of whom perished in the effort. It was built in an obscure corner of Poland along the rail line between Krakow and Vienna. It was surrounded by such solitude, that SS Reichsfuehrer Heinrich Himmler considered establishing a sub-headquarters there.

As the war progressed the final solution loomed ahead and Auschwitz was chosen as a operations center for developing an efficient method of killing over 11,000,000 Jews within the Reichs borders. After several attempts it was decided that cyanide based poison gas was the most economical way of committing mass murder and soon trains were rolling into Auschwitz on a regular basis.

Gas chambers were quickly constructed along with crematoria to handle the vast number of victims. By 1944 the war had turned decisively against Germany and the Red Army was soon advancing into Poland. The Nazis increased the rate of killing and even extended the rail lines so that the trains arrived right at the gas chambers.

One aspect of the war exposed in detail, was how the Allies, though fully aware of the camp, refused to bomb even the rail lines leading to it. Former inmates recount how they witnessed bombers flying overhead, only to have their hopes dashed when nothing happened.

We are also introduced to the rogues gallery who kept the camp running. SS Obersturmbannfuehrer Rudolf Hoess was the commandant, who kept the machinery of murder running virtually until the Russians were at the gates. Several guards are also interviewed, none of whom have any remorse for their actions or corruption. The movie concludes with the execution of Hoess and several of his underlings. By then the viewer is left both spellbound and speechless.

Explaining The Unexplainable

[j-penkair · 8/10 · 15 September 2015]

People involved with the production of this documentary understand and achieve the maturity in which not many people attain. It is that the facts of the Holocaust need no over-dramatisation at all. A simplistic and even storytelling, plus fairness and calmness, is just right, if one wants real impact for the audience. This piece of excellent journalism establishes the evolutionary nature of a thinking mind: it grows on you. Watching this documentary is comparable to hearing a politely confident voice taking us down the road we do not plan to complete the journey. Just like death camps themselves, or the mind of the Jewish and other victims at the time, people in the field did not know what they were up against. Unfortunate circumstances, at first, had led to bad, worse, and finally hopeless situation for those violated and abused at the extreme. Some people lost their sense of optimism and logical thinking. Some people firmly believed that "God" had completely forgotten this Hell on earth, or simply found it too much of a Hell to visit. I think that the producers and directors of this documentary had wanted to walk us step by step, without attempting to let us presume anything. Personal judgment at the end, therefore, is genuine. I believe it is by way of honouring this dark saga of human tragedy most properly. it is too large an issue to be pre-cooked. It must be knowledgeably and decently presented to the audience, and let that audience figure out themselves. This documentary feature has accomplished that task. People who watch would have the memories with them for life. I grew up all my life in Asia. Far away from Hell of Auschwitz and other death camps a million miles apart. Yet, I feel the feeling. I feel the historical task to do whatever I can about it. Yes, I share.

The Final Solution: The Final Time?

[Cinema_Fan · 10/10 · 23 January 2006]

The first time, at least, these Camps had been used, by the Spanish, was during the Third Cuban War of Independence, leading to the Spanish - American War (around late 1898). The Americans also used them for the Philippine - American War. It was only the mass scale by the British, in South Africa, that it was thought that they had started them. Ironically set up during the Second Boer War, (October 1899 to May 1902), in South Africa, to house refugees, whose homes and lands had been destroyed by the British. This was done under the name of the "Scorched Earth Policy", done as a military tactic, to destroy anything that might be of use to "the enemy", once rounded up, they would be easier to control, no doubt. It is also rumoured, that the British would shoot prisoners in the kneecap, to prevent any escape.

We have to remember that the people in these Camps were mostly civilians, so, they could not be classed as P.O.W.s, (Prisoners of War, i.e., Soldiers). These unfortunate casualties of War were placed in a camp to concentrate their numbers, and as said before, to control. Conditions in these Camps were terrible; disease and hunger were the order of the day.

A Concentration Camp is not the same as Extermination Camp, or Death Camp. This was to come later, as Nazi Concentration Camps.

Known as Konzentrationslager, or simply KZ, pronounced as Kah-Tzet, this initial, with a number following, tattooed on the forearm of the Prisoners. KZ is the abbreviation of Konzentrationslager. Hence, the prisoner would have tattooed KZ711966, for example, to show they were a prisoner of the Concentration Camp. Their own Identity number.

The Nazi Party, also known as NSDAP, or to give it's full title, The National Socialist German Workers' Party, first came into existence on March 7th 1918, by Anton Drexlar. This party, from Munich, was to be called The Free Committee for a German Workers' Peace. The name was changed shortly after to the German Workers' Party, this flourished to what is now known as the NSDAP. The bittersweet irony is that German army intelligence sent in a spy to look into the NSDAP, Adolf Hitler; he was so impressed, that he joined proper. It was to be February 24th, 1920, that the Nazi Party was born, after the name NSDAP was given as its new and proper title.

Since 1920 and up to the end of the second World War, Hitler had gained popularity and power, power on the promise of a free Germany, free of Non Nationals, for example, and free of the Jewish wealth and power, which they had used to their (the Jews) own advantage for gaining this wealth. It would seem that the Jews would bare the brunt of the xenophobia, paranoia, jealousy and blame. Blame for a Germany still counting the cost for losing the First World War (1914 - 1918).

There is a name for State Sponsored Genocide: Holocaust. The systematic extinction and precaution of one or more Race, such as Jews, Homosexuals, Jehovah Witnesses, Gypsies to name a few, but in greater numbers, a few totalled around six to seven million in just six years or so. Ethnic Cleansing at its most destructive.

The most destructive of these Death Camps was a place some 60km Southwest of Krakow, Poland. This was camp number two, Auschwitz. Having three camps here, the number two camp was to be the Camp of mass murder. In the end, around one million Jews were murdered here, along with an estimated 75,000 Poles and 20,000 Roma People.

The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) has done an excellent job of bringing us a truly magnificent portrait of the Pre History and magnitude of Auschwitz. With amazing CGI that allows us to see how Auschwitz looked like, when in complete working order. This Documented History shows the viewer why the camp was needed. We hear from the survivors off this Death Camp, also from the ex Nazis, who, some, still have no qualms of their actions; they say they were only following orders. Yes, this does really bring home the truths of this dreadful atrocity, the suffering of the many and the blind hatred of the evil that was Auschwitz, the Nazis and their Final Solution.

This is History Documentation at it's best, to see and finally to get to understand how this evil place came about, and the evil that drove it.

You should watch

[araujo-vivian · 9/10 · 3 June 2013]

The documentary impressed me, it has a different approach from others that I have watched. It described a detailed physical and a social situations of the camp. In the end of each chapter, you can understand a little more deeply what it had represented for the Jewish people, the foreigners, the families, the Nazis, all the horror and the distorted ideas that make all these things happened. For the people who experienced it and all the political involved, all the consequences for all nations involved and the thoughts of "Nazi", in the final I was sad and I think the history have a power to educate ourselves to be a better person, not repeat the atrocities, the ideal to exterminated a race is outrageous, we are not God and we can't decide the their destiny.

Intriguing and superbly done

[frankkaren-30172 · 10/10 · 3 February 2019]

Didn't view this 2005 BBC documentary until early this year (2019) via Netflix. Would highly-highly recommend the series.

We traveled to Germany & Poland several years ago via a "World War II and extermination camps" 13day trip, where we encountered the remains of some of the horrors & atrocities of WWII and the Nazis. Especially poignant were the tours of the Auschwitz main compound and the nearby Auschwitz-Birkenau camp. The 6-part series BBC series gives in-depth and chilling facts of this horrible piece of history.

Auschwitz

[Rindiana · 7/10 · 2 July 2010]

Too much dramatized scenes for my taste, but otherwise this is another well-made BBC documentary about the Holocaust in general and death camp Auschwitz in particular.

The series' director's resistance to tug the viewers' heart strings and him resorting to a matter-of-fact approach instead is welcome, just as it is the case with the wealth of informative interviews both with former Nazis and camp survivors.

Some more insight and less actors impersonating Nazi officials and this six-parter would've been a truly great program. Still highly recommended.

7 out of 10

Gripping

[benjeman-shaw · 10/10 · 5 May 2018]

One of the best hollocost documentaries out there. The stories and interviews selected tell the story of what happened extremely well.

everyone should know this history

[d-wilhelm · 10/10 · 7 January 2007]

My parents are German. They emigrated to Canada in 1950. My mother has always denied knowledge of the Holocaust. My father died too young for me to know what he thought- but he was a kindly man and I believe he would have acknowledged the crime. As a dual German-Canadian citizen, I am proud that Germany has recognized the atrocity and made it a crime to deny it. Now, I challenge other nations to admit the same crimes. Canada and the United States against their native cultures. The United States about black slavery. South Africa and Germany have pointed the way. History should not be denied. This is the lesson the survivors of Auschwitz would have wanted us to learn. One cannot watch this film without being moved, both by the cruelty and greed of the oppressors and by the kindness and self sacrifice of those who aided the oppressed.

History's Darkest Hour

[Weasel100 · 8/10 · 26 February 2009]

Scratch the surface of a modern human being and you don't have to go too far to reach the barbarian that lies within us all. We may wish to deny it but this documentary series proves the point. Well to do and well educated Germans followed a madman who held out hope of a bright future for them, but always in the full knowledge that their prosperity would come at the cost of others (in this case, a large percentage of Europe's Jews, gypsies, disabled and above all, innocent children).

I believe that there is no way that Germans living in Germany at the time of the Holocaust could have been unaware of what the SS was doing in places like Auschwitz, Belsen and Treblinka, convenient as it might be for them after the event to claim that they had no idea that mass murder was being committed in their name.

This is a wonderful documentary series. I have not been to Auschwitz but I did visit Dachau outside Munich a few years ago. Dachau was horrifying enough but was a very minor player in the murders that were committed by the Germans.

It was interesting and horrifying too to hear the stories that were told by Auschwitz's survivors but what I found most disturbing was the retelling of events by SS officers and guards who were at Auschwitz at various times. Right up to the time of the making of this documentary, these guys stated that what they did at the camp was right. Many of them maintain to this day that what they did was necessary and right for the survival of the German people. One would have thought that there wouldn't be one of these animals left who would not cringe and beg forgiveness for their part in the atrocities that they were involved in. Quite extraordinary that these guys still don't understand the magnitude of the crimes they committed.

A must see documentary.

JMV

A meticulously researched program everyone should see.

[TheEmulator23 · 10/10 · 7 January 2009]

To all of those holocaust deniers, this is something that needs to be seen to be believed, because this is too horrific to be made up. This excellently done & narrated by Oscar winning actress Linda Hunt is probably the most definitive documentary ever done on Auschwitz-Birkenau. This 6 part series gives some information on what we do know & personal stories that most of us don't as well from both the so-called "inmates" as well as those that worked there. One begs the question of what happened to those that worked there & how they justified what they did. Even if you know a lot about the concentration camps such as Treblinka & Sobibor, there is still a lot of new things shown in this program. If you don't have any knowledge at all then this program is also for you. It seems hard to believe that people would just massacre another because of their differences, but even more surprising is how systematic and matter of factly they did the wiping out of those determined "undesirables." This is a must watch for those interested in History & to those who want to understand just what had happened & make sure it never happens again. No I'm not Jewish, Muslim or religious. I study World War II history & cannot fathom for the life of me the extremes of religion, hatred or the absolute belief in anything w/out REAL proof. The deniers are unfortunately usually uneducated and do not really understand anything about history & if asked deep thinking questions about all of the so-called "FAKE" evidence cannot possibly answer all of the questions or explain away all of evidence from films, documents, pictures, books, personal stories, the camps, the graves, and the list goes on and on. The so-called conspiracy of all of this being faked is completely absurd & extremely ignorant. I challenge any to explain away all of this excellent series. Supremely done & the fact that their is so much proof about what happened is truly what astonishes me that it all is a lie. If it is a lie, it's the best most complicated lie ever told & completely utterly impossible. Too bad the holocaust deniers won't even watch this.

The Best Documentary On the Holocaust

[rvenezia · 10/10 · 18 August 2009]

This documentary done by Laurence Rees is without a doubt the best documentary I have ever seen on the Holocuast. It shows the history of the camp of Auschwitz and its role in the extermination of the Jews of Europe.

The documentary does a great job mixing interviews with survivors as well as members of the SS, Hlinka Guard and a Eitzgruppen soldier. For me the most interesting interviews where with the people who committed the crimes. A lot of them said they did not feel guilty about what they did. Otto Georning the SS handler of money of Auschwitz talked about how after the war he came forward to silence the people who said Auschwitz never happened.

To me as a person who teaches students about the Holocuast it is important for people to realize that human beings are capable of great evil and this documentary does a good job is showing that. It also shows the goodness of people including LT. Albert Battel who saved 100 Jews. I feel that people who are interested in the Holocaust or just want to learn about Auschwitz rent this.

A must view for every living human being in this planet !!!

[unnirad2011 · 9/10 · 12 May 2013]

Sat through this entire 3-4 hours BBC documentary with 3D graphics to fully understand " the holocaust " horror . This masterpiece of fact compilation that is absolutely neutral , goes into every angle of subject visualization and authenticity has changed me forever . A must see for everyone to understand how thin are the lines that we draw , how delicate is the balance of peace and most importantly how the most intelligent , cultured humans can metamorphose to utter cruel worthless beasts , so that never ever something like this can happen here again !!!Amazing narratives , real photographs and visualization .Children should see this , do not prevent them from seeing the truth by raising some rating standards !!!

A well made horror story

[marcha-553-197075 · 10/10 · 13 December 2012]

This series of films is a masterpiece. It's as simple at that. How one has been able to make an in depth and gruesomely precise dramatized film on such a black hole in human history is beyond me. But they have succeeded. The film is very precise, very direct, and, very honest. It tells the story of human beings at their worst. Sometimes one may want to stop the film, knowing what is going to come next, but something forces you to go on. It's like a powerful magnet, you can not stop watching. What makes this film worth while, is the way it has been built up for the viewer. It explains in clear precise words and pictures what had to be done in the Nazi state if you belonged to the chain of command in the SS organization. Most people don't realize it today, but many SS higher commanders where academically schooled in private life. Some where lawyers or doctors, others where economists or engineers. These men were intellectuals. The shocking trues is, that the SS was an intellectual elite bent into a warped idea of supremacy with no holds barred. This film makes you look at these cold hard facts. How in peacetime respectable men, became in wartime beasts and cold blooded murders. This film tells us something about...ourselves.

Comprehensive . . . almost exhaustive study of Auschwitz and the Nazi death camps ...

[j_e_bryant · 9/10 · 29 January 2011]

Not for the feint of heart . . . it's such a sad chapter in human history. But this 6 disc series definitely is thorough and comprehensive.

Highly recommended for those who want to know all the ins and outs of Auschwitz. From its inception to its ultimate destruction . . . and how the Nazis created efficient murder factories.

Not only does it interview survivors, but also some of the SS guards. There are first hand accounts of seemingly every aspect of this concentration camp. Well made and worth watching . . .

There's a little recap at the end of each Disc where a moderator discusses some issues with various academic types -- and it didn't really add too much to the series as a whole. Seems like a good educational tool for high school students, etc.

Good but very one sided

[david-kingsman · 7/10 · 29 October 2017]

It's a very well done documentary but I feel it's one sided. All the script writers and experts have made plenty of programs on the same subject and have just refined the shock horror aspect and made it user friendly.

A far more balanced documentary is Hitler, The Greatest Story Never Told. Watch both before you review anything, There are certainly two sides to every story. A lot of the Jewish people interviewed in this program have made a living out of their experiences and believe me they have changed a lot over the years. The authors are Jewish as well so a fair documentary would be impossible to obtain.

Still great viewing, I enjoyed it but it kind of spoils it when you know a lot of it has been altered for TV viewing.

Great series, terrifyingly accurate.

[bt-949-468344 · 10/10 · 16 January 2012]

I really don't want to review this documentary, as all is well known about Auschwitz and the atrocities that took place there. This TV series portrays this perfectly and terrifyingly accurate. The main reason I'm writing this review is because I cant contain my anger over how they can sit and interview a Nazi SS member who in his own words shot and killed Jews and his only concern while doing it was to "aim carefully"? How is this German animal not executed, or at least imprisoned for the rest of his filthy life? How can he sit in his healthy old age in the comfort of his own home and say with no sign of remorse "I shot and killed Jews"? It really baffles me, and I hope the organizations that bring Nazi criminals to justice bring down this disgusting self confessed murderer of innocent men, women and children.

Brilliant historical documentary.

[michaelRokeefe · 9/10 · 20 August 2010]

This BBC documentary is a shocking comprehensive detailed history of the Auschwitz concentration and death camp. The site of World War II's most infamous killing factory. A very dark and disquieting topic...the Holocaust; Adolph Hitler's mechanized and determined extermination of an entire race. Jews from war-torn countries being herded in cattle-cars with malice, brutality and humiliation to many German concentration camps; but Auschwitz was by all means the jewel of the Nazi death camps. Samuel West and Linda Hunt narrate five hours plus of actual archival footage and gruesome reenactments based on comprehensive interviews. More than a million Jews were slaughtered or starved and worked to death before the camp's eventual liberation. Not recommended for sensitive viewers due to appalling and repugnant scenes related to the largest mass murder in the world's history.

Auschwitz, the epicenter of Nazi evil

[dapplez · 8/10 · 25 March 2011]

The strength of this documentary is that it presents the facts without flinching, and without being judgmental or emotional. The result is a picture of Auschwitz of great clarity, from its historical beginnings. The question is whether the viewer can watch it without turning away.

I have been watching lots of documentaries about World War II lately, trying to put the many pieces together into a coherent picture. I am a baby boomer who is getting older, and I feel I must confront this now.

My grandfather died in Auschwitz, along with an unknown number of other family members. I have always known this. I, like most others, have seen the emaciated bodies, the dead bodies stacked like cord wood of dead and dying Jews. Now I know the day my grandfather arrived in Auschwitz and the day he died, from a database on the internet. And with this documentary, I am closer to grasping the reality of what he experienced, up to a point. This, of course, is not the complete story; no one documentary or movie can do that for World War II, or any one aspect of it.

I wish everyone would watch this documentary because Auschwitz was the very epicenter of Nazi evil. To remember, to understand, is to instill meaning into the millions of murders of Jews, Poles and countless others. That is the peculiar quirk of the Nazi regime: without these deaths, some might forget how evil it was, even apart from the Holocaust.

Any sensible person would have thought that, surely, this would have marked the end of genocide, forever. But it has not, and genocide, in the millions, has occurred again and again around the world. And it can, again.

I think the documentary's one weakness is that it focuses too much on Nazi's demonization of the Jews, which, sadly, continues in some corners of the globe. The real issues are more general, particularly that of one nation believing itself to be a race that is racially superior to other nations and peoples, as did Nazi Germany. Once you believe your group to be superior, it is almost rational to think it is your duty to kill those who are not in your group.

While Western Europe has grown beyond that phase, there are still countries that believe themselves to be racially superior to everyone else; I lived in one such country in Asia, and this message of racial superiority and hatred is taught in the schools from an early age.

Economic and political turmoil in Germany set the stage for the Final Solution. We could see such economic and political turmoil in the future in many countries. We must learn from history.