Is Hitler Lives! Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2017)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Hitler Lives!, a standout production of 2017, meticulously weaves its narrative threads through the Horror landscape, offering a cinematic experience that is as challenging as it is rewarding. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into 'HITLER LIVES!' sets the stage with the escape of Hitler to Antarctica after the end of WWII, however not all goes to plan and Hitler is secured away in a bunker in Adelaide. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Horror are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "'HITLER LIVES!' sets the stage with the escape of Hitler to Antarctica after the end of WWII, however not all goes to plan and Hitler is secured away in a bunker in Adelaide. Dr Mengele has procured a drug of Alien based immortality that will see to the rise of a New World Order. Over time Hitler is forgotten however and left to rot in the bunker as world politic expands into the 'global government' and the thousand year reich plan to design the superman and send him to the stars, is replaced with free trade agreements... Left to misery and despair Hitler reads about the world outside from enclosed walls and walks the bunker corridors - waiting for a chance to escape again and renew his quest for the reich - Dr Mengele, from his laboratory in Argentina, has other plans for their longevity and with an ever increasing mental collapse the two must fight it out for intellectual domination."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. Morte does an admirable job with the material provided, but one can't help but feel that a more daring directorial approach would have yielded a more impactful result. It is a competent but ultimately standard genre performance.

The direction by Stuart Rowsell is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 90 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is Hitler Lives! truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Horror, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 2/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, Hitler Lives! explores the dichotomy of fear and discovery. The 2017 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Stuart Rowsell respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, Hitler Lives! is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Morte or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Hitler Lives! is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.