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Is Munich: The Edge of War a True Story?

Munich

World War II – unarguably one of the most brutal conflict in human history with seemingly no limits to the violence. Of course, there would be a number of adaptations for film around these events. Munich: The Edge of War is one of such adaptations. The movie, directed by Christian Schwochow and produced by Andrew Eaton is based on the 2017 novel, Munich written by Robert Harris. While the plot of the movie in itself is based on key historical events and characters, there are aspects of the movie where liberty has been taken with the characters and events.

Set in 1938 as Europe desperately tries to avoid war. The plot is centered around two friends, Hugh Legat (George MacKay) and Paul von Hartmann (Jannis Niewöhner). A Brit and a German who had both spent a few years studying at Oxford and ended up working for their governments albeit in low level positions.

Paul von Hartmann (Jannis Niewöhner) comes across some documents he believes would help sway British Prime Minister, Neville Chamberlian (Jeremy Irons) from signing the infamous Munich Agreement with Adolf Hitler (Ulrich Matthes). Hugh Legat (George MacKay) is assigned to get hold of these documents which he did but ultimately failed to stop the agreement being signed.

British Prime Minister, Neville Chamberlain (Jeremy Irons) is a real-world character, more on him later…  Adolf Hitler (Ulrich Matthes) is as infamous as it gets. Hugh Legat (George MacKay) and Paul von Hartmann (Jannis Niewöhner) on the other hand are both fictional. There does seem to be some very loose connection between Paul von Hartmann and Adam von Trott zu Solz, a German diplomat who was part of a resistance to the Nazis. Adam von Trott zu Solz was implicated and arrested for his role in a plot to assassinate Adolf Hitler on July 20, 1944. He was found guilty and hanged less than a month later.

Neville Chamberlain (Jeremy Irons) has always been a controversial figure for historians. Many see him as an arrogant and vain man who believed he could outsmart Hitler when he should have been preparing Britain for war. Others hold a softer view, that of a leader who was desperate to avoid war by all means even if it meant signing a deal with the devil literally. The movie producer went for the latter and depending on how you’ve always viewed Chamberlain, this may or may not appeal to you.

 Is Munich: The Edge of War a True Story?

The movie referenced documents that outlined Hitler’s war plans and this is historically accurate. The real-life documents are known as the Hossbach Memorandum which were drawn up by Col Friedrich Hossbach, military adjutant to Hitler in a secret meeting at the Reich Chancellery on November 5, 1937. There is however, no historical indication that there was an attempt to have these documents smuggled to Neville Chamberlain by any individual or group.

Where was it Filmed?

The filming for Munich: The Edge of War was done in Berlin, Munich, Liverpool and Potsdam. The movie in itself is half German and half English. Munich: The Edge of War is a true story for the most part with a few tweaks to historical facts.

 

This post was submitted by Makuochi Echebiri

 

Makuochi “Mark” Echebiri is a freelance writer with several years of experience.  He has been interested in creative writing from as far back as high school. Obsessed with storytelling and having works of his own that have yet to make it to print, he is content to use that ability to communicate to as many as are reachable. He has a particular interest in historical works and thrillers. With his spare time, he looks out for avenues where he can aid people aside from his plans to rule the world. Yes…you heard that first here.

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