Is The SS: A Barbaric State Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2019)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

The SS: A Barbaric State, a standout production of 2019, meticulously weaves its narrative threads through the Documentary, History, War landscape, offering a cinematic experience that is as challenging as it is rewarding. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Nuremberg is where Nazi congresses were held. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Documentary, History, War 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: "Nuremberg is where Nazi congresses were held. In the city where Hitler gathered huge crowds of fanatics, the court hosted in 1945 the greatest trial in History. The Allied victors judged those responsible for the Third Reich. Among the defendants are the Führer's closest surviving accomplices. But not only them: defendant number 27 is not even a man. It is an entire organization: the SS were a state within the state – which ruled all the police – with its own army, within the Nazi regime."

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. While the script occasionally leans into familiar territory, the efforts of Johann Chapoutot ensure that the emotional beats of The SS: A Barbaric State always land with sufficient weight. Johann Chapoutot provides a steady, reliable performance that anchors the film through its narrative shifts.

The direction by Mathieu Schwartz 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 52 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 The SS: A Barbaric State 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 Documentary, History, War, then this is a highly recommended entry that delivers on its promises while offering a few surprises along the way.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 6.5/10 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, The SS: A Barbaric State explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2019 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Mathieu Schwartz 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, The SS: A Barbaric State serves as a reliable piece of entertainment that will satisfy core fans while providing a solid entry point for new viewers. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Johann Chapoutot or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, The SS: A Barbaric State is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.