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Kolberg, 1945
This huge historical epic was premiered on 30 January 1945, when the war was approaching to an end. The film is centered on the struggle of a small Prussian town, Kolberg during the Napoleonic War.1 It dramatized the struggle of Kolberg's population in attempting to resist the invading French forces even as the local Prussian military commander decided to concede defeat and surrender. It represents the last effort of the Nazi propaganda in manipulating the population with myths of national idealism, sacrifice, and the indomitable spirit of the German people.2 It seeks to bolster the endurance of the population in the face of impending enemies, to motivate them to continue the war, and to inspire the German people with courage to die and to sacrifice their lives for the fatherland.3 The Kolberg's message also reflected the Nazis' stance of total war and capitulation.4 This can be seen from the following dialogue between Nettelbeck, the town mayor and Gneisenau, the new military commander.5
NETTELBECK: But we haven't fired our last bullet yet!… We are not letting [Kolberg] go even if we have to claw into ground with our bare hands. In our town we do not give up. No, they will have to cut off our hands to slay us one by one…. I even promised our king that we would rather be buried under the rubble than capitulate. I have never pleaded to anyone, now I get down on my knees, Gneisenau. Kolberg must not be surrenderd.
GNEISENAU: That's what I wanted to hear from you, Nettelbeck. Now we can die together. Watch it (100kb).
This scene of the Mayor begging the military commander not to give up even if it meant death for all, clearly shown the example of Nazi brotherhood and the Volk tied to the soil.6
The following scene of a businessman pleading against resistance during town council meeting is portrayed as a coward. Watch it (28kb).
The heroes were glorified for their courage and hard work. Even woman must take on the role of man in order to protect their homeland and this can be seen from this scene in which Maria, a female character in the film is seen helping to dig trenches.
