There have been
plenty of films about the neo-Nazi movement. Many include a central character
coming to terms with the falsehood of the cause, providing career-making
performances given by Russell Crowe, Ryan Gosling and Edward Norton in Romper Stomper, The Believer and American
History X, respectively. What makes Combat
Girls stand out amongst these films, apart from the unique female
perspective which was missing from the others, is simply the country of
origin.
German law
prohibits the public display of swastikas and other Nazi symbols, unless used
for historical relevance. This law alone caused a great deal of controversy for
German filmmaker David Wnendt, whose Combat Girls is riddled with the imagery,
specifically in the tattoos that the characters proudly display.
Twenty-year-old Marisa (Alina Levshin) is a hardcore believer, and in the
opening scenes we see her display this loyalty by helping her boyfriend beat an
innocent Asian boy senseless on the train.
Though this is
ultimately a typical film in which the protagonist begins to question the
racist beliefs surrounding her, Marisa’s journey is less than typical. She
struggles with family issues, taking frustrations out on anyone who happens to
be nearby, but eventually befriends 15-year-old Svenja (Jella Haase), a
newcomer in the clan. Marisa’s personality is fiercely independent, though her
strength is not necessarily tied to her Nazi beliefs, and as interactions with
an immigrant opens her eyes.
The DVD release
of Combat Girls comes with an interview with Alina Levshin in the special
features, as well as trailers for the film. The package also has an 8-page
collectible booklet with an essay by Travis Crawford.
Entertainment Value:
7/10
Quality of
Filmmaking: 7/10
Historical Significance:
7/10
Disc Features: 6/10
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