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Review

Based on the autobiographical experiences of co-screenwriter and ex-neo-Nazi Ingo Hasselbach, who authored the book "Führer-Ex: Memoirs of a Former Neo-Nazi," this harrowing drama looks at the still vibrant underworld of the hate-filled neo-Nazi movement in Germany.

Teenagers Heiko (Christian Blümel) and Tommy (Aaron Hildebrand) are best friends living in 1980s East Berlin. Tommy, who dreams of emigrating to Australia, convinces his naïve pal to join him in an attempt to escape the Iron Curtain. Their plan fails, however, and both are sent to a harsh communist prison. Tommy, the more hardened of the two, acclimates to prison life while the blond, still child-like Heiko undergoes the shock of his life in this hellish environment. After a stint in solitary confinement, Heiko emerges a changed man—no longer trusting, he becomes increasingly violent and uncaring and finds refuge in fellow inmates who share Nazi sympathies. After his release in a now post-unified Germany, Heiko's rage continues unabated.

Hard-hitting, unflinching and disturbingly real, Führer Ex examines the politics of hate and the values of friendship and loyalty. (German with English subtitles)

 -- Raymond Murray