Munich: The Edge of War (2021)

Content by Tony Macklin. Originally published on February 2, 2022 @ tonymacklin.net.

Munich: The Edge of War (on Netflix) is particularly relevant to 2022.

Set circa 1938 (adapted from the novel by Robert Harris), it reverberates in today's world. It is about people who had to make crucial decisions as the world was on the verge of unstable, drastic upheaval.

The 1930s were a time of uncertainty and zealous propaganda with impending dire circumstances.

It's ironic how many experts today say history will look back with severe judgement on present events. Not necessarily.

History may look back with positivity, whatever happens. In George Bernard Shaw's play The Devil's Disciple, General Burgoyne says, "History, sir, will tell lies, as usual!"

Winners write the history.

Munich: The Edge of War shows events that are faced by mere mortals. What they do with the opportunities has lasting import.

The film begins with British student Hugh Legat (George MacKay) and German Paul von Hartmann (Jannis Niewohner) partying at Oxford with Lenya (Liv Lisa Fries).

Legat and von Hartmann have a severe falling out over politics, but they reconnect in 1938 in Munich, when Neville Chamberlain (Jeremy Irons) is the British Prime Minister trying to reach a peace agreement with Adolf Hitler (Ulrich Matthes).

History portrays Chamberlain as weak, because ultimately he lost. Irons' performance shows a political man committed to peace. He pursues it with unflagging optimism, but also with some sense of context. Irons captures the nature of a man not in control of events. What can he do? He tries.

The direction by German Christian Schwochow emphasizes the uncertain humanity of people faced with monumental decisions. He is aided by Tim Pannen, whose production design is evocative and has the feeling of actuality.

George MacKay, who starred in Sam Mendes' 1917 (2019) is effective as a British aide to Chamberlain. Jannis Niewohner is convincing as the German diplomat who is faced with a desperate decision. German actress Liv Lisa Fries is engaging as the spirited female who meets a cruel fate.

Munich: The Edge of War is a compelling look back.

Each generation faces its own brink.