Films about Germans winning World War II explore an alternate history scenario where the Axis powers emerge victorious over the Allies. These speculative narratives often delve into the societal, political, and global implications of such a world. They can range from dystopian visions of occupation and suppression to intricate tales of espionage and resistance within these altered realities. Here are a few films that delve into this intriguing concept:
“Fatherland”, 1994
Director: Christopher Menaul
This HBO made-for-TV movie is based on the novel of the same name by Robert Harris. It presents an alternate 1964 where Nazi Germany has won World War II. The story follows an SS officer who uncovers a secret that could have changed the course of history, set against the backdrop of a Germany preparing for détente with the United States.
Starring: Rutger Hauer, Miranda Richardson, Peter Vaughan, Michael Kitchen, Jean Marsh, John Woodvine, John Shrapnel, Clive Russell, Clare Higgins, Pavel Andel;
Production year: 1994;
Genre: science fiction, thriller, drama, melodrama;
Duration: 106 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,4;
More information about the film “Fatherland” on the website imdb.com
“It Happened Here”, 1965
Director: Kevin Brownlow, Andrew Mollo
This British black-and-white film presents an alternate history where the United Kingdom has been invaded and occupied by Nazi Germany during World War II. The narrative focuses on the daily compromises and moral dilemmas faced by the British people under Nazi rule.
Starring: Pauline Murray, Sebastian Shaw, Bart Allison, Reginald Marsh, Frank Bennett, Derek Milburn, Nicolette Bernard, Nicholas Moore, Rex Collett, Michael Passmore, Peter Dyneley, Barrie Pattison, Honor Fearson, Ronald Phillips, Frank Gardner, Bertha Russell, Miles Halliwell, Chris Slaughter, Carole James, Pat Sullivan, Pat Kearney, Bill Thomas, Stella Kemball, Ralph Wilson, Fiona Leland, Alfred Ziemen, Graham Adam, Claire Allen, Christopher Bell, Percy Binns, Bruce Burn, Brewster Cross, Jeremy Dacon, Norbert Dingeldein, Peter Elkins, Richard Golding, Jefferson Grieves, John Herrington, Benjamin Hodgetts, Jim Joslyn, Karl Heinz Kreiseler, Fritz Kule, Alvar Liddell, Jim Linwood, Susan Lionnel, Werner Mallé, Gustav Mekke, Michael Mellinger, Andrew Mollo, Anthony L. Oliver, Rose Paddon, Bob Parker, George Parker, Frank Phillips, Colonel Pickering, Hans-Joachim Schmiedel, John Snagge, Klaus Umjo, Peter Urbe, Peter Watkins, H.G. White, Rae Wills;
Production year: 1965;
Genre: science fiction, drama, war;
Duration: 93 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,7;
More information about the film “It Happened Here” on the website imdb.com
“SS-GB”, 2017
Director: Philip Kadelbach
Although technically a British TV series rather than a film, “SS-GB” is worth mentioning for its depiction of an alternate 1941 where the Germans have successfully conquered Britain. The story combines elements of a detective novel with the intrigue of living under occupation, exploring the complexities of collaboration, resistance, and the human spirit amidst tyranny.
Starring: Sam Riley, Kate Bosworth, Rainer Bock, Lars Eidinger, James Cosmo, Maeve Dermody, Jason Flemyng, Aneurin Barnard, Ronald Zehrfeld, Christina Cole;
Production year: 2017;
Genre: science fiction, action, thriller, drama;
Rating: IMDB: 6,6;
More information about the film “SS-GB” on the website imdb.com
These films and series leverage the concept of an Axis victory to explore themes of resistance, collaboration, and the resilience of the human spirit. They provide a chilling look at what might have been, highlighting the importance of history and the value of the freedoms fought for and preserved by the Allied victory.
In conclusion, the cinematic exploration of scenarios where Germany wins World War II proffers a chilling and thought-provoking glimpse into alternate histories that challenge our understanding of morality, power, and human resilience. These films, through their speculative narratives, provide a platform for reflection on the fragility of peace and the moral quandaries that underpin human civilization. By reimagining the outcomes of pivotal historical moments, they not only highlight the catastrophic consequences of unchecked ambition and authoritarianism but also underscore the importance of remembrance and the lessons drawn from history. As mirrors to the fears and fantasies of their times, these films serve as poignant reminders of the roads not taken, compelling audiences to confront the potential for darkness in the human soul and the ever-present necessity of vigilance, empathy, and courage in the face of tyranny.
