Amen

Based on Rolf Huchhuth’s play The Representative, Amen must be immediately commended for its attempt to represent the frequently far-too-cosy relationship between Nazi Germany and the Vatican. On the other hand, it doesn’t go nearly far enough. A bizarre conflation of fact and fiction, Amen centres on Kurt Gerstein (Tukur), a staunch Protestant and member of the Waffen-SS. As the scientist who introduced the SS to the versatility and efficiency of Zyklon-B gas, he becomes privy to insider knowledge of the unpleasant goings-on in the East, and sets about contacting Pope Pius XII. It soon becomes crystal-clear, though, that the pontiff is far too concerned with the spread of godless Bolshevism to worry excessively about a minor detail like the Final Solution, or let it get in the way of cordial relations with the Reich.

While the film is keen to demonstrate that anti-Semitism was far from an invention of Hitler’s, that shouldn’t be massive news to anyone: Amen also chooses to ignore Gerstein’s more obvious and cynical motives for passing on information in the War’s last days. Still, this is typically brave subject matter for veteran director Costa-Gavras (Z, Music Box), even if the movie could’ve pointed the finger more firmly. Worthwhile.