War II: Total War

About This Movie

So, 'War II: Total War' is this unique archival piece from 1965, and it’s intriguing, to say the least. It chronicles the harrowing years from 1939 to 1945, covering the rise of Nazism straight through to the dropping of the atomic bomb on Hiroshima. The tone is stark and almost clinical, yet it doesn’t shy away from the stark realities and brutality of war—it's all laid bare. The pacing is methodical, which makes sense for an educational film, but there’s a certain grim weight to it that sticks with you. What’s especially notable is its candid portrayal of total war's impact on society, not just the battlefield, and I'm fascinated by how it captures that shift in warfare. It’s a film that feels both timely and timeless, a solid piece for anyone collecting historical records.

This film is somewhat of a rarity, as many educational films from the era didn't survive in great condition. It was originally released in 16mm, and finding a clean print can be tricky. As a collector, you might not see this film often in the wild, and its historical significance piques interest among those who appreciate war documentaries. The way it presents the shift in warfare is distinct and adds a layer of depth that is often overlooked in mainstream depictions.