Munich: The Edge of War, the Netflix British Drama film is directed by Christian Schwochow. The star cast includes George MacKay (Hugh Legat), Jeremy Irons (Neville Chamberlain), Jannis Niewöhner (Paul von Hartmann), Sandra Hüller (Helen Winter), Ulrich Matthes (Adolf Hitler), Jessica Brown Findlay (Pamela Legat), Liv Lisa Fries (Lenya) and Anjli Mohindra (Joan). Ben Power wrote the screenplay for the story based on Robert Harris’ Munich. The cinematography is by Frank Lamm and the music by Isobel Waller-Bridge. The film is 131 minutes long.
The synopsis reads, “At the tense 1938 Munich Conference, former friends who now work for opposing governments become reluctant spies racing to expose a Nazi secret.”
Netflix’s Munich – The Edge of War Review Contains Mild Spoilers
Munich: The Edge of War is a fictionalised account of one of the most pivotal moments in World History when Hitler devised his sinister plot to seize Britain. Directed by Christian Schwochow and based on Robert Harris’ novel, the film is set in the 1930s. The Netflix film opens with Hugh Legat, Paul von Hartmann, and Leny enjoying their graduation party in 1932. The three best friends are pretty excited about the future.
The story then jumps to 1938, where Hugh works as Prime Minister Neville Chamberlian’s secretary. Hartmann goes back to Germany and works closely under Adolf Hitler. It turns out that Hugh and Paul are no longer friends as the latter was a huge fanatic of Hitler. Years later, Paul comes to his senses and realises the misery Hitler wishes to inflict on others. He finds ways to connect with his old pal Hugh to deliver an important message to PM Chamberlian.
History hasn’t been kind to Chamberlian with everything when he signed the Munich Agreement with Hitler. The agreement mentioned that Hitler could take over the Sudetenland region of Czechoslovakia but could not demand any other piece of land from Europe. Hitler being Hitler was never going to stop, and we know the havoc he caused.
Many What-If scenarios are explored in Munich: The Edge of War film, which stars fictional characters Hugh Legat and Paul von Hartmann. What if Paul reveals Hitler’s true objectives to Hugh, and Chamberlian refuses to sign the Munich Treaty? What if Paul and Hugh are caught by Nazis and killed? What if someone got the chance to assassinate Hitler in 1938, putting an end to the years of suffering endured by Jews and others?
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Ben Power’s screenplay takes its time to develop the compelling ‘What If’ premise. But once it starts, you’re completely absorbed in seeing these two men attempt the impossible. You’re terrified that a Nazi officer may shoot Hugh Legat as he walks down the street in Munich. Paul holds critical evidence in his hands. What if he’s apprehended and shot dead? These are the other what-ifs that keep you interested until the very end. The fictional twist on one of history’s most famous incidents is well-executed in showing the dangers of fascism.
Coming to performances, George McKay, who impressed many with his act in 1917, pulls off a brilliant Hugh Legat in the war drama Munich: The Edge of War. Hugh could’ve lost his temper in some scenes, but as the PM’s secretary, he had to keep his cool. When he fails to persuade someone, we can detect his agitation in his body language. Throughout, McKay has done an excellent job.
Jannis Niewöhner, who plays Paul von Hartmann, is another standout performer. Paul frustrates you with his blind fanaticism as he praised Hitler in 1932. However, a change in his character in 1938 makes him appear wise. You know he’ll say something that makes sense every time he speaks. Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain is played by actor Jeremy Irons, who offers a phenomenal performance.
Netflix Film Munich: The Edge of War Review: Final Thoughts
Overall, the latest war film does not require bullets or bloodshed to convey the evils of fascism. ‘What if there was hope someplace to change the course of events?’ it makes you wonder. ‘Would it be helpful?’ Yes or no is the answer. Initially, the film is a little slow. But after 30 minutes, you won’t be able to take your focus away from the screen.
The film is now streaming on Netflix.