Operation Finale Bursts Open True Story of Nazi Solider

Otto Adolf Eichmann was a German Nazi and one of the major organizers of the Holocaust alongside Adolf Hitler.  When some Israeli agents discover that Eichmann (Ben Kingsley) has been hiding out in Argentina, plans are made to sneak him out and prosecute for his Nazi war crimes in Israel. Operation Finale brings the whole take down to life featuring note-worthy performances by Ben Kingsley as Adolf Eichmann and Oscar Isaac as Peter Maltin, the operative who finally takes him down.

With a fascinating, beautifully shot true story executed with a brilliant ensemble of actors led by Kingsley and Isaac, the unfolding of the gripping details are drawn out and rather laborious.  Having said that, I couldn’t help feeling rather emotional at seeing how similar the experience is for people of color and those of Jewish faith.  I hate that I live in a world where human life is not cherished and valued.  Imagine how incredibly disheartening it must have been for a thousands of people to go into hiding, caught and murdered in cold blood just because they were deemed ‘different’ or a ‘threat.’ to the existence of those who considered themselves superior.  Sound familiar?  Hard to believe that this type of hatred has existed for centuries and yet there is no relief in sight.

One of the most haunting images was a truck being opened from behind only to reveal hundreds of dead bodies stacked upon one another felt very reminiscent of seeing photos of slave ships from Africa with images that are literally identical. To think that someone almost got away with such a heinous act is mind-boggling.  Adolf Eichmann was held accountable for his contribution to such a despicable chapter in history and was hung in 1962 after being tried and convicted on war crimes.

I’m not gonna lie.  This film is very difficult to watch for obvious reasons, but it’s worth it even though there may be about 30 minutes where you will find yourself wondering what happy hour to hit.

Produced by MGM and Directed by Chris Weitz, Operation Finale will hit a theater near you on August 29th.