WHY WE FIGHT 2: THE NAZIS STRIKE

Cinemavixion Review

The 'Why We Fight' series, particularly Volume 2, 'The Nazis Strike,' stands as a monumental piece of American World War II propaganda, commissioned by the government and largely helmed by the masterful Frank Capra. Initially intended for soldiers, these films were strategically released to the public to galvanize support for a war that many Americans were hesitant to join. Capra's genius lay not just in documenting the conflict but in repurposing enemy footage, most notably from Leni Riefenstahl's 'Triumph of the Will,' to serve the Allied cause. This technique, combined with William Hornbeck's exceptional montage editing and Disney's evocative animated maps, created a powerful visual narrative. Narrated by the acclaimed Walter Huston, the series, while factually informative, does not shy away from the era's prevalent nationalist and racist rhetoric, starkly contrasting the portrayal of the Axis powers with the valor of the Allies. The series concludes with a powerful message from Army Chief of Staff George Marshall and the iconic imagery of the Liberty Bell, reinforcing the ultimate goal of defeating the Axis war machines. 'The Nazis Strike' specifically delves into the aggressive expansionism and military might of Nazi Germany, setting the stage for the global conflict.