The Interpreter of Silence

Also known as "The Interpreter of Silence", this 5-part mini-series is a based on a 2019 novel. A combination of both fiction and real events - the "Frankfurt Auschwitz Trials" that took pace during 1963 to 1965 - the series gives an idea on how difficult it was to prosecute the crimes that were committed in Auschwitz during WW2.

Apart from the Nuremberg Trials, which took place during 1946-1947, the Frankfurt Auschwitz Trials took place almost 20 years after the war. The series gives a very convincing view on how life during the 60's must have been. A combination of stunning sets with many props of those times, makes it a very attractive view.

Amongst the defendants of the Auschwitz Trials, a special focus is put on the SS-officer Wilhelm Boger, whom under the name "The Tiger of Auschwitz" was known for using extreme torture techniques on prisoners, often leading them to die instantly or within a day of the torture. That Wilhelm Boger left many people dead, also makes it difficult to prosecute. This since there were no witnesses left...

Another defendant whom is featured, is Robert Mulka, whom functioned as chief of staff under the famous Auschwitz camp commander Rudolf Hoss. This made him defacto second-in-command at Auschwitz.

Mixed with these true events is a story about the court translator. As a daughter of an owner of a Frankfurt restaurant named "Deutsches Haus", she is specialized in translating the polish language. The series shows her day-to-day life during the trial, which leads her to discover also interesting facts about her own family, friends and co-workers.

The convincing sets combined with excellent acting, makes this series a very attractive view which I myself binge-watched in one go. An extra plus is that this series educates the viewer on real events that relate to WW2. I personally think it is important that society is made aware of how evil "civilized" people can really be. And since we have come to the point that all eye-witnesses to WW2 are dead, a series like this is important in keeping alive what really happened just a generation ago.

Concluding, I award this series a score of 8.1/10 resulting in an IMDb score of 8 stars.