The Accountant of Auschwitz

"The Accountant of Auschwitz" tells the tale of Oskar Groning, a former Nazi S.S. officer who was caught in his 90s and brought to trial for his part in the war.

As an accountant, Groning "....was in charge of organizing the possessions, bracelets and rings, watches and heirlooms, of Jews when they arrived in the camps."  
http://povmagazine.com/articles/view/review-accountant-auschwitz

Groning was on trial for murdering numerous Jews in the camp, which he maintained that he did not do. 

In trial footage, Groning's arrogance was on full display. His ideology had not evolved since the war. He talked about his duties in a chilling manner, completely oblivious to their being crimes. He continually made an attempt to distance himself from crimes by perpetrated by other S.S. officers. For example, he talked about witnessing an infant murdered by another S.S. officer.

Another aspect of the film was the prosecution of other Nazi officers like Groning that had evaded arrest for decades. Most of them, if they were found guilty, were sentenced to 3 or 4 years prison time. Is that justice? Should those in the Nazi S.S. who have evaded capture be caught and brought to justice? What does justice look like?

Also featured in the film is Ben Ferencz, chief prosecutor of the Einsatzgruppen officers in the Nuremberg trial.

A thought provoking film, now streaming on Netflix, three stars.

http://povmagazine.com/articles/view/review-accountant-auschwitz