I stumbled upon this movie by chance. I was traveling a few years back and this movie was on some channel on cable at the hotel late one night. Not much else on and figured I watch it for about 20 to 30 minutes until I decided to go to bed. Needless to say, I stayed up and watched the complete movie. The plot was very interesting and does make you wonder if there had not been SS who did this or at least thought of doing it. I have been looking all over for this movie. I even sent and email to the production company, but the weren't sure that it would ever make it to DVD, but said there was always hope. If anyone finds this movie drop a note here where you found it, as I'd sure like to get a copy some day.
10 Reviews
When I was a kid
goodfella001311 January 2006
Yeah I watched this mini series with My Mom and dad as a kid. It was one of the few mini series that my 9 year old mind actually could follow. I recall it was very well done, and didn't necessarily have the feel of the typical crap mini series. It was more or less an original concept that really grabbed your attention. I would recommend this miniseries to anyone who is a fan of history and plot twists. Although most twists in this movie are either spelled out or predictable, it is still worth the time. I haven't checked to see if you can get it through netflix yet however. I would imagine not. They should play it on the history channel or something.
can't believe how low this film was rated!
doyouwannabeinmy29 December 2003
Warning: Spoilers
This is a really amazing story and the most amazing part of it all is that it REALLY happend! In case you haven't noticed: it's based on a true story.
(Possible spoiler)
Imagine the shock and horror of discovering that your own father was once a SS officer in WW II.
It's a very intriguing story and I'm really surprised the movie is rated a lousy 5.3 here on imdb.com.
my rate: 7
(Possible spoiler)
Imagine the shock and horror of discovering that your own father was once a SS officer in WW II.
It's a very intriguing story and I'm really surprised the movie is rated a lousy 5.3 here on imdb.com.
my rate: 7
An excellent film, deserving of VHS/DVD release!
ebneslo28 December 2004
I agree with so many of the other reviewers here. This was a great film and an even better novel by Robert Fish. Unfortunately, I believe the author died before he could see this film made. The performances are all top rate, with the three principles (John Glover, Ben Cross, and Veronica Hamel) seemingly made for their roles. The exteriors, both in Europe and Israel, seem very authentic, and the 4-hour miniseries length was just right for the telling of this story. Fortunately, I DID tape this when it was on television and have enjoyed watching it ever since. I can say unhesitatingly that it holds up even to this day. I gave it a rating of 10. If you haven't read the book, you should really find a copy. This would be an outstanding film to release on DVD with extras that could easily include interviews from the cast.
I would love a copy of this movie
mimi-5030 June 2002
I watched this on tv in 1989 and regretted not taping it. I was very intriguing and suspenseful. It is amazing as the events unfold and this man's past catches up with him.
The acting is first rate and the story is exactly what the title claims... "twist of fate"... but no one could run away from a life that this man had at the beginning of the movie.
The acting is first rate and the story is exactly what the title claims... "twist of fate"... but no one could run away from a life that this man had at the beginning of the movie.
Superb suspenseful thriller
arkent-16 October 2004
I watched this movie "miniseries" on television back in 1989 and it was an amazing movie. I would love to track down a copy of it just to watch it again and again. It's been 15 years since I watched it and it still sticks out in my mind.
From the beginning, it draws you in. The characters and plot line keep holding you. The ending was superb. The feeling and rage that the son displayed when finding out the truth about his father are unforgettable. The suspense on how it will turn out and how he will confront his father is really intense.
If you can get a copy of this movie, you will thoroughly enjoy watching it.
Then, email me and tell me where I can get a copy.
From the beginning, it draws you in. The characters and plot line keep holding you. The ending was superb. The feeling and rage that the son displayed when finding out the truth about his father are unforgettable. The suspense on how it will turn out and how he will confront his father is really intense.
If you can get a copy of this movie, you will thoroughly enjoy watching it.
Then, email me and tell me where I can get a copy.
question
yurets77717 August 2009
I have been looking for this mini-series for a very long time. I saw this movie when I was living in back in Russia many years ago. I'm curious if somebody who has the recorded copy of this movie can send me the copy. I'm willing to cover all the expenses and pay for the extra tapes or DVDs. This is one of the best TV series that I have ever watched. I would recommend it to anybody who is somewhat interested in Israel History and World History after WWII. I'm also trying to find a book (I have heard that its even better than the movie)however the new one costs around $50 on amazon and I have never purchased a used copy. my e-mail address is yurets777@hotmail.com Thank you very much for you help.
Excellent but underrated TV Movie!!!
StoneGriffin2 March 2003
Warning: Spoilers
This is a intriguing tale of a rebellious young SS officer (who hates Hitler), played by a young-ish Bruce Greenwood, who must hide after aiding in an assassination attempt on the Fuerher. He does this by having plastic surgery, changing his face and hiding amongst the Jews in a Concentration Camp. Unlike some of the real life Nazis who tried to hide among the prisoners but were easily identified, von Schraeder was transfered to a Camp without the knowledge of any of the Germans, and he suffers greatly at the hands of the Camp guards, who think he is just like any other Jew. It is during this time, that he befriends the other prisoners, who believe him to be a persecuted "Jew" just like them.
BTW: I love John Glover's performance as Max Brodsky, the lead character's best friend. And Ben Cross was outstanding as usual.
Possible Spoilers (but I doubt it):
Lt. Von Schraeder takes on the new identity of "Ben Grossman" after being liberated by the Allies and tries to access his money, stashed away in a swiss bank account, however, the Swiss Government have frozen all accounts opened between 1939-1945 with REICHSMARKS, until the identity of the account holder have been positively identified, just in case the person was a wanted war criminal. "Ben Grossman" can't do this since he no longer looks anything like he did when he was Lt. Von Schraeder. He is a man who no longer has a home.
His friends who befriended him in the Death Camps invite him with them to go to the then new nation-state of Israel. It is here that the show really shines. The movie, unlike any other film or television show, spectacularly and ACCURATELY (at least from a costume, equipment and weapons point of view), shows the early Israeli wars of independence, primarily in 1948 and 1956 when the Arab nations were intent on driving the Israelis into the sea. The uniforms, weapons and vehicles are absolutely correct for the time period, something Hollywood rarely does.
Von Schraeder aka "Grossman", realizing that the Jews are the only friends who will have him, aids the Israelis fight off the Arab armies and becomes himself a hero. At no time do any of the Israelis suspect that "Grossman" is a former Nazi, since many of his fellow officers spent time with him in the Death camp and saw him beaten by the guards.
He eventually becomes a GENERAL of the Israeli Defense Forces and dedicates his life to his new adopted country, but his past will eventually catch up with him when surviving Nazis overseas recognize him and attempt to blackmail him.
This film was a treat and it showed a facet of history that rarely gets any airtime in the U.S. (the early Mideast wars of the 20th century).
I noticed that many Jewish friends at the time were unhappy at the premise, 'that a Nazi could become one of the founders of Israel', however this was an oversimplification of the plot.
It was more about friendship, kinship and finding something to dedicate oneself to. Von Schraeder fought for the Nazis in World War II, realizes his mistake and ends up spending the rest of his life fighting for Israel - an interesting twist of fate, hence the title.
BTW: I love John Glover's performance as Max Brodsky, the lead character's best friend. And Ben Cross was outstanding as usual.
Possible Spoilers (but I doubt it):
Lt. Von Schraeder takes on the new identity of "Ben Grossman" after being liberated by the Allies and tries to access his money, stashed away in a swiss bank account, however, the Swiss Government have frozen all accounts opened between 1939-1945 with REICHSMARKS, until the identity of the account holder have been positively identified, just in case the person was a wanted war criminal. "Ben Grossman" can't do this since he no longer looks anything like he did when he was Lt. Von Schraeder. He is a man who no longer has a home.
His friends who befriended him in the Death Camps invite him with them to go to the then new nation-state of Israel. It is here that the show really shines. The movie, unlike any other film or television show, spectacularly and ACCURATELY (at least from a costume, equipment and weapons point of view), shows the early Israeli wars of independence, primarily in 1948 and 1956 when the Arab nations were intent on driving the Israelis into the sea. The uniforms, weapons and vehicles are absolutely correct for the time period, something Hollywood rarely does.
Von Schraeder aka "Grossman", realizing that the Jews are the only friends who will have him, aids the Israelis fight off the Arab armies and becomes himself a hero. At no time do any of the Israelis suspect that "Grossman" is a former Nazi, since many of his fellow officers spent time with him in the Death camp and saw him beaten by the guards.
He eventually becomes a GENERAL of the Israeli Defense Forces and dedicates his life to his new adopted country, but his past will eventually catch up with him when surviving Nazis overseas recognize him and attempt to blackmail him.
This film was a treat and it showed a facet of history that rarely gets any airtime in the U.S. (the early Mideast wars of the 20th century).
I noticed that many Jewish friends at the time were unhappy at the premise, 'that a Nazi could become one of the founders of Israel', however this was an oversimplification of the plot.
It was more about friendship, kinship and finding something to dedicate oneself to. Von Schraeder fought for the Nazis in World War II, realizes his mistake and ends up spending the rest of his life fighting for Israel - an interesting twist of fate, hence the title.
Great movie, wish it was available on DVD!
tracey7217926 October 2008
Like most other reviewers, I really enjoyed this TV miniseries. I didn't see it when it first came out, but my grandfather - a big fan of mysteries and war films - happened to record it in 1989. I remember watching it at my grandparents' cabin one night and I was completely drawn into the story! It has a very intriguing plot and a good mix of drama, romance, and espionage. I've seen lots of films that are set during WWII, but none with a twist like this! Thankfully, I was able to make a VHS copy of the film several years ago. I've watched it several times since then and I still enjoy it. I would love for this film to be released on DVD. It would be so much easier to view with chapters.
excellent movie
zonkerjohn22 May 2016
this movie was indeed underrated. It of course, has been a good while since I have seen it, but I was glued to the TV set.
The unfolding of the story as the son realizes who his real father is very intriguing.
and this really did happen.
being set in WWII makes it all the more interesting.
the acting was top notch.
the script was excellent.
I looked for years for a DVD or VCR and still cannot find any.
if anybody has a decent copy, I am willing to pay them. my email is zonkerjohn@yahoo.com
The unfolding of the story as the son realizes who his real father is very intriguing.
and this really did happen.
being set in WWII makes it all the more interesting.
the acting was top notch.
the script was excellent.
I looked for years for a DVD or VCR and still cannot find any.
if anybody has a decent copy, I am willing to pay them. my email is zonkerjohn@yahoo.com
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
