The Captain

Synopsis

Set during the final days of World War II, "The Captain" (2018), directed by Robert Schwentke and starring Max Hubacher, tells the gripping story of a young German soldier, Willi Herold, who deserts his unit and stumbles upon a captain's uniform. Seizing the opportunity, Herold impersonates an officer and quickly ascends through the ranks, exploiting the chaos and fear to wield brutal authority over others. As he exerts control over a group of desperate soldiers, the film explores themes of power, identity, and morality amidst the backdrop of a collapsing regime. The intense narrative captures the disturbing allure of authority and the devastating consequences of war.

Cast

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  Max Hubacher

  Herold

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  Milan Peschel

  Freytag

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  Frederick Lau

  Kipinski

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  Alexander Fehling

  Junker

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  Britta Hammelstein

  Gerda

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  Waldemar Kobus

  Hansen

Reviews

"The Captain" received generally positive reviews from critics, praised for its harrowing portrayal of moral ambiguity and the descent into cruelty. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds an 83% approval rating, with the critical consensus highlighting its chilling depiction of power’s corruption. Critics have lauded Max Hubacher’s compelling performance as Willi Herold, with many noting his ability to portray a deeply flawed and menacing character. For instance, The Guardian described the film as "a tense and uncompromising war drama that confronts the darker side of humanity." Metacritic gives it a score of 67, indicating generally favorable reviews, applauding Schwentke’s direction and the stark cinematography which emphasizes the bleakness of the era. IMDb users rated the film 7.3/10, often appreciating the film’s unflinching narrative and historical complexity but noting its sometimes brutal and unsettling scenes. Some critiques mention that while the film is powerful, its intensity and bleak tone can be challenging for viewers. Overall, "The Captain" is recognized as a thought-provoking and disturbing exploration of authority and moral collapse during war.