The Meaning of Hitler

The Meaning of Hitler is a documentary that examines the rise of Adolf Hitler and the enduring appeal of his ideology. Based on a book by Sebastian Haffner, the film uses archive footage and interviews with historians, authors, and Nazi hunters to explore how the past is often misunderstood or manipulated. Filmed across nine countries, it traces the locations of Hitler's life and crimes to analyze the modern resurgence of antisemitism and white supremacy. The narrative suggests that failing to properly confront history can lead to the repetition of past errors.

The film was directed by Petra Epperlein and Michael Tucker, with Tucker also writing the screenplay. The production involved Play/Action Pictures, Uwaga Film, and Means of Production. The cast features archival footage of Adolf Hitler alongside appearances by figures such as Martin Amis, Deborah Lipstadt, Yehuda Bauer, Saul Friedländer, and Richard J. Evans. The documentary has a runtime of 92 minutes and was released on August 13, 2021. Audience reception is consistent across platforms, with a rating of 6.3/10 on IMDb based on 533 votes and a matching 6.3/10 on TMDB from 12 votes.