Watch Hitler's Children

Hitler's Children is a highly intriguing documentary series that provides a fresh perspective on the Third Reich by offering a glimpse into the lives of the descendants of some of the most powerful figures of the Nazi regime. Produced by ZDF Enterprise in 2000, the series uncovers the struggles and dilemmas that the children and grandchildren of the Nazi leaders face on a daily basis, having inherited the burden of their ancestors' actions and legacies.

The series consists of five episodes, each one exploring the lives of two or three descendants from different families. The first episode tells the story of Bettina Goering, the great-niece of Hermann Goering - the founder of the Gestapo and commander of the Luftwaffe - and of Niklas Frank, the son of the infamous Hans Frank, who served as the governor-general of occupied Poland. Through interviews and archival footage, the series reveals their personal reflections on what it means to carry their family's name and how they cope with their inheritance.

In the following episodes, the series goes on to explore the lives of Rainer Hoess, the grandson of Rudolf Hoess - the commandant of Auschwitz - and of Katrin Himmler, the great-niece of Heinrich Himmler - the head of the SS. The series also features interviews with Peter Raubal, the nephew of Adolf Hitler, whose father was Hitler's half-brother, Alois, and with Monika Goeth, the daughter of Amon Goeth, a ruthless Nazi commander who was portrayed in the movie, Schindler's List.

The series offers a fascinating juxtaposition of the lives of these descendants who, despite being members of one of the most notorious families in history, lead ordinary lives, with everyday struggles and aspirations. Their stories reveal the complex psychological and moral dilemmas they face as they try to come to terms with their ancestors' crimes, and how this heritage has affected their personal relationships and identities.

One of the most remarkable aspects of the series is the honesty and openness of the descendants. They share intimate details about their lives, from their family upbringing to their personal beliefs, and the effect that their legacy has had on their relationships with friends and family members. Some of them have chosen to break with their family's past and pursue a different direction, while others struggle with the tensions and contradictions inherent in their double identity.

The series also features interviews with historians and experts who provide a broader context and historical perspective, shedding light on the political and cultural environment in which their ancestors thrived. They examine the social and ideological factors that fueled the rise of National Socialism and the extent of responsibility that the descendants bear for their ancestors' actions.

Overall, Hitler's Children is a thought-provoking and powerful documentary series that seeks to understand the impact of the Nazi legacy on the post-war generation. It is a testimony to the resilience and courage of the descendants who, despite the burden of their ancestry, have found ways to live meaningful lives and to come to terms with the past. The series provides a fresh and humanizing perspective on the Third Reich, reminding us that, behind the scenes of power and violence, there were individuals with families, emotions, and aspirations, and that the traces of history continue to shape our lives today.