GOD ON TRIAL

GOD ON TRIAL - 2008

RATED - NR but probably PG for adult themes. Total rear nudity of male prisoners being 'examined' by the doctor to determine who dies and who lives.

RATINGS - 12 Amazon (5/5), 4,476 Netflix (3.4/5), 360 IMDB (7.3/10).

THEMES - Spirituality, justice, character of God.

STORY - This outstanding PBS Masterpiece Theater film recreates what was possibly an actual event that took place at Auschwitz. Some of the prisoners, including a group of new arrivals still in shock, were discussing (not unlike the debate Job and his friends had) whether God had broken His covenant with them as His chosen people by allowing them to be exterminated by the Nazis. They decided the only way to decide was to put God on trial. A panel of three 'judges' was selected, one of whom actually taught criminal law in real life. . What follows is a passionate discussion of whether God has abandoned His people and, therefore, is guilty of the atrocities happening there. The discussion is well reasoned and intelligent. How can a loving God allow this evil, especially with those He is supposed to have such a special relationship with? You may find yourself asking the same questions. How is this possible? What kind of God would allow this? A father and son, one slated to die the next day, vigorously disagree. It's one thing to talk about evil in the abstract. It's quite another to talk about when you are facing the death sentence the next day. You may be surprised at which one defends God and why. The debate is vigorous and stimulating. You may be surprised at the 'verdict'. For many people, this is the ultimate question. How do we deal with evil and a loving God? The acting is terrific and realistic. Watch this and 'you be the judge'. A wonderful contribution to quality programming on television. Lu G. for Lu's Reviews. 09/12/09.

LINKS - AMAZON, IMDB, ELIE WIESEL BOOK -TRIAL OF GOD

AFTER THE TRUTH

AFTER THE TRUTH - 1999

RATED - NR but probably PG for some language and a shadowy image of an elderly man getting out of the shower.

RATINGS - Amazon - none, 2 Netflix (4/5), 476 IMDB (7.6/10).

STARRING - Gotz George (Dr. Josef Mengele), Kai Wiesinger (Attorney Peter Rohm)

AWARDS - Many nominations including EUROPEAN FILM AWARD for Best Actor (George).

THEMES - Justice, truth, eugenics, social Darwinism.

STORY - The Holocaust continues to haunt the world with the unbelievable evil and atrocities that occurred. This is the 'what if' story of Dr. Josef Mengele, the Auschwitz 'Angel of Death'. What if Mengele had turned himself in and was tried for his crimes. Who would defend him? Attorney Peter Rohm (Wiesinger), who grew up in Mengele's home town and is fascinated (obsessed?) with his story must decide whether to accept that challenge. He has wanted to write a book about Mengele but has been holding off because he can't understand why someone who was a former neighbor could be responsible for the deaths of some 400,000 individuals. He wanted to title the book 'One of Us'. In addition to believing everyone is entitled to legal representation, he wants to find out the truth so he accepts. What follows is a sobering and fascinating look at the mind of Mengele as he stands trial. First, we learn he was not alone. In 1920 the book The Permission to Destroy Life Not Worth Living was published and set the course for German medicine for the next 25 years. This is part thriller, part courtroom drama, part moral question. Was Mengele a psychopathic monster or just your neighbor gone wrong? In his closing argument Rohm says, 'The road to Auschwitz isn't so long, as long as you take it one step at a time.' As the end of the film is fading out, Mengele looks directly at the camera and asks, 'Do you see at least a bit of yourself in me?' Don't answer too quickly. A powerful film about evil that still haunts us today. Very highly recommend. Lu G. for Lu's Reviews. 11/15/2008.

LINKS - AMAZON, IMDB, WIKIPEDIA, CHILDREN OF THE FLAMES, IGNATIUS PRESS