Watch Tracking Down Klaus Barbie

Tracking Down Klaus Barbie is a documentary film about the life and crimes of Klaus Barbie, a prominent member of the Gestapo during World War II. The movie examines the efforts of a number of individuals to bring Barbie to justice for his crimes, including former French Resistance fighter Raymond Aubrac, journalist Edwy Plenel, and lawyer Serge Klarsfeld.

The film begins by providing an overview of Barbie's early life, including his involvement in the Nazi party and his role in the deportation of French Jews during the war. Through interviews with survivors of the war and experts on Nazi history, the filmmakers offer insight into the atrocities committed by Barbie and his fellow Gestapo officers.

The bulk of the film follows the efforts of the aforementioned individuals to track down Barbie for his crimes. Raymond Aubrac, who was captured and tortured by Barbie during the war, led a campaign to raise awareness of Barbie's whereabouts and to demand that he be brought to justice. Aubrac's efforts eventually led to the discovery of Barbie's whereabouts in Bolivia, where he had been living under a false identity for many years.

Journalist Edwy Plenel, who had been following the story of Barbie's crimes for many years, also played a key role in tracking him down. Through meticulous research and investigation, Plenel was able to uncover important details about Barbie's life in Bolivia and his involvement in the local government there.

Finally, lawyer Serge Klarsfeld was instrumental in bringing Barbie to justice. Together with his wife Beate, Klarsfeld worked tirelessly to pressure the Bolivian government to allow Barbie to be extradited to France to stand trial for his crimes. Despite facing numerous obstacles and setbacks, Klarsfeld and his team were ultimately successful in their efforts, and Barbie was eventually extradited to France in 1983.

Throughout the film, the filmmakers use a mix of archival footage, interviews, and dramatic reenactments to bring Barbie's story to life. The result is a compelling and deeply moving portrait of a man who committed heinous crimes against humanity, and the dedicated individuals who worked to bring him to justice.

One of the film's key strengths is its inclusion of firsthand accounts from individuals who survived the war and were directly impacted by Barbie's crimes. By hearing their stories, viewers are able to better understand the human toll of war and the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions.

Another notable aspect of the film is its focus on the role that ordinary citizens can play in fighting injustice. Through the stories of Aubrac, Plenel, and Klarsfeld, viewers are reminded that even small actions can have a significant impact in the fight for justice and human rights.

Overall, Tracking Down Klaus Barbie is a powerful and thought-provoking documentary that sheds important light on a dark chapter in history. Combining compelling storytelling with historical detail, the film is a must-see for anyone interested in World War II history, the fight for justice, or the power of ordinary individuals to effect change.