The People vs. Fritz Bauer

The People vs. Fritz Bauer 2016

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Plot Summary

Discover the intricate plot of The People vs. Fritz Bauer (2016). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.


Bauer’s driver discovers his boss unconscious in the bathtub and promptly takes him to the hospital. As Bauer recuperates, police officers, influenced by political motives, jump to conclusions and suspect a suicide attempt. This situation brings joy to his adversaries, particularly Attorney General Kreidler and Paul Gebhardt of the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA), who believe they have gained the upper hand.

During his recovery, Bauer notices a crucial file has vanished from his office. Concerned about the prosecution of Nazi criminals, he summons the prosecutors but finds them lacking in progress. The young prosecutor, Karl Angermann, reminds Bauer that he had requested this file to prepare a statement, making Bauer realize he can trust Angermann. Inviting him to his home over the weekend, Bauer considers his authority to be like that in “enemy territory” as he plots to bring Adolf Eichmann from Argentina to face justice in Germany. However, recognizing the limitations of the BKA and Interpol regarding political crimes, Bauer contemplates enlisting the help of the Israeli intelligence service, Mossad.

When Bauer receives a letter confirming that Eichmann resides in Argentina under an alias, he forwards this information to the Mossad and discusses it further while in Israel. The Mossad chief, Isser Harel, has already investigated this lead but insists they must have a second piece of evidence before proceeding with Eichmann’s abduction.

While navigating these complexities, Angermann seeks Bauer’s guidance on sentencing in a homosexual trial. After Bauer references a similar case, Angermann pushes for an unexpectedly light sentence, which gets him noticed by Victoria, a friend of the defendant. However, it’s revealed that Victoria is transgender, complicating Angermann’s emotions further, especially when compromising photographs of their interactions surface, leading to blackmail from the BKA.

As Bauer investigates former Nazi Schneider, who now works in human resources at Daimler-Benz with connections to South America, he pressures Schneider for Eichmann’s code name in Argentina. This information is relayed to the Mossad, which successfully retrieves Eichmann and transports him to Israel. Nonetheless, Bauer’s request for Eichmann’s extradition is denied by the federal government under Konrad Adenauer, who fears a potential upheaval due to Eichmann’s testimony exposing the presence of former Nazis within the German government.

Meanwhile, Angermann refuses to succumb to the threats posed by the compromising photos and bravely confesses to violating § 175. Just as Bauer considers abandoning his pursuit, he immerses himself back into the investigation of Nazi crimes, setting the stage for the landmark Frankfurt Auschwitz trials.

Timeline

Track the key events of The People vs. Fritz Bauer (2016) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.


Bauer's Accident

Bauer's driver finds him unconscious in the bathtub and acts quickly to take him to the hospital. This incident sets off a series of political intrigues that will affect Bauer's career and efforts to bring Nazi criminals to justice.

Bauer's House

Police Suspicions

As Bauer recovers, the police investigate the circumstances surrounding his accident. Influenced by political motives, they suspect it may be a suicide attempt, much to the delight of his enemies such as Attorney General Kreidler.

Hospital

Missing File

During his recovery, Bauer discovers that a crucial file regarding the prosecution of Nazi criminals has gone missing from his office. Concerned about the implications, he summons the prosecutors to discuss the lack of progress on the case.

Bauer's Office

Trusting Angermann

Bauer finds a young prosecutor, Karl Angermann, who shows promise and diligence. Realizing he can trust Angermann, Bauer invites him to discuss strategy at his home, contemplating how they can bring Adolf Eichmann to justice.

Weekend Bauer's Home

Mossad Consideration

Understanding the limitations of the BKA and Interpol for political crimes, Bauer considers enlisting the Israeli intelligence service, Mossad. This decision opens a new chapter in Bauer's pursuit of justice for Nazi atrocities.

Confirmation of Eichmann's Location

Bauer receives confirmation that Eichmann is residing in Argentina under an alias. He promptly forwards this information to the Mossad, eager to facilitate Eichmann's capture and trial.

Bauer's Office

Meeting with Mossad

Bauer travels to Israel to discuss the recovery of Eichmann with Mossad officials. Mossad chief Isser Harel reveals they need a second piece of evidence to proceed, adding urgency to Bauer's mission.

Israel

Angermann's Legal Dilemma

Amidst Bauer's investigations, Angermann finds himself conflicted over a case involving sentencing in a homosexual trial. His decisions attract attention and further complicate his personal and professional life.

Courtroom

Blackmail Threats

Angermann faces blackmail from the BKA after compromising photos of him and Victoria, a friend of the defendant in the trial, surface. This leads him to confront his own morals and the implications of his choices.

Investigating Schneider

Bauer begins to investigate Schneider, a former Nazi who now works at Daimler-Benz and has connections in South America. He pressure Schneider for information about Eichmann's code name, vital for the case's progress.

Daimler-Benz

Successful Abduction

The Mossad successfully retrieves Eichmann from Argentina, marking a significant victory for Bauer's efforts. However, this achievement does not come without political tension back home.

Argentina

Extradition Denied

Despite the Mossad's success, Bauer's request for Eichmann's extradition to Germany is denied by the federal government led by Konrad Adenauer. Fears of upheaval due to Eichmann's testimony hinder Bauer’s pursuit of justice.

Germany

Angermann's Confession

Angermann bravely confesses to his violation of § 175, refusing to be cowed by blackmail threats. His courage reflects the moral complexities surrounding their fight for justice.

Bauer's Resolve

Feeling disheartened by the political setbacks, Bauer considers abandoning his investigation. However, he ultimately chooses to immerse himself back into the pursuit of justice for Nazi crimes, setting the stage for pivotal trials.

Frankfurt Auschwitz Trials Begin

Bauer's dedication culminates in the initiation of the landmark Frankfurt Auschwitz trials, a significant moment in history. These trials hold the accused accountable and pave the way for the acknowledgment of Nazi war crimes.

Frankfurt

Characters

Meet the characters that bring The People vs. Fritz Bauer (2016) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.


Fritz Bauer

Fritz Bauer is a determined and principled prosecutor who is relentless in his pursuit of justice for Nazi war criminals. He navigates political pressures and personal risks, showing courage as he confronts both external adversaries and internal conflicts. His leadership inspires others to challenge the status quo.

👨‍⚖️ Prosecutor ⚔️ Determination 🏳️‍🌈 Advocacy

Karl Angermann

Karl Angermann is a young prosecutor who grapples with moral dilemmas while navigating the legal complexities of cases involving sexuality and justice. His character development is marked by his bravery in the face of opposition and a willingness to confront societal norms, making him a pivotal figure in Bauer's narrative.

👨‍⚖️ Young Prosecutor 💔 Internal Conflict 🔍 Loyalty

Adolf Eichmann

Adolf Eichmann serves as the central antagonist, representing the lingering shadows of Nazi power and influence even after the war. His capture becomes a symbol of accountability for past atrocities, encapsulating the broader struggle to bring historical injustices to light.

💀 Antagonist 🔒 Notorious Figure 🕰️ Historical Criminal

Setting

Uncover the settings of The People vs. Fritz Bauer (2016), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.


Time period

Post World War II

The narrative is set in the years following World War II, a period marked by the international effort to confront and prosecute Nazi war crimes. This era was crucial for Israel's establishment and for global consciousness surrounding human rights and justice, particularly with the rise of trials that aimed to hold perpetrators accountable.

Location

Germany, Argentina, Israel

The movie primarily takes place in Germany, where legal and moral battles unfold regarding the prosecution of Nazi criminals. Argentina is significant as the hiding place of Adolf Eichmann, a key figure in the Nazi regime. Additionally, Israel plays a crucial role, particularly during Bauer's discussions with the Mossad about Eichmann's abduction.

🇩🇪 Germany 🇦🇷 Argentina 🇮🇱 Israel

Themes

Explore the core themes of The People vs. Fritz Bauer (2016). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.


⚖️

Justice

The theme of justice is central to the film, as Bauer fights to bring former Nazi officials to trial and ensure that atrocities are not forgotten. His pursuit reflects the broader societal challenge of grappling with historical injustices and the significance of legal repercussions for past crimes.

🌈

Identity

Identity themes are explored through the character of Angermann and his interactions with Victoria, raising questions about sexuality, societal norms, and the complexities of human relationships amidst the legal backdrop. This theme underscores the personal struggles individuals face within larger societal contexts.

🕵️‍♂️

Espionage

Espionage becomes a critical theme as Bauer collaborates with Mossad to locate Eichmann. The film illustrates the intricacies of intelligence work and the moral dilemmas faced in the pursuit of justice, reflecting on how different nations navigate historical grievances.

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