Combat Girls could
have gone the "been there done that" route showing a coming of age tale set in
a contemporary Neo-Nazi community. People learn some lessons, grow up a bit,
and we're told that Nazis are bad. Luckily David Wnendt's film explores a much
more interesting topic relating to the constant cycle of hate and violence in
society and the high cost of redemption.
Marisa (Alina Levshin) isn't shy about her Nazi adoration with tattoos
across her chest, a willingness to jump into a violent fray, and her unwavering
devotion to her former Nazi soldier grandfather. Svenja (Jella
Hasse) is a smart, 15 year old who rebels against her strict parents eventually
finding her way into Marisa's violent, passionate circle of friends. Marisa
makes a rash and violent decision causing her to distance herself from the
movement while Svenja draws closer into the movement.
The story is less about Nazism and more about the general
topic of hate. The film is most
interesting when it focuses on the blossoming relationship between Marisa and a
homeless Afghan teenager. Through
the boy, Marisa's blurred, hate filled vision starts to become clearer and it's
these moments that make the final third of the movie all that more powerful as
Marisa struggles to atone for her past vicious actions. Alina Levshin embodies
the role with such a powerful, intimidating presence that when she begins to
questions her beliefs you completely buy into her fractured and complicated
descent to self-discovery.
The rest of the performances range from good to great but
the star of the movie can found behind the camera. Director David Wnendt directs his scenes with such a cool,
calm confidence that although not much happens in the way of action, the film
is never boring. The deliberately
paced drama accents the sub textual discussion the film is having about the
nature of extremes. If we spend too much time at the edges we may forget what's
right and wrong. A great couple
great performances and assured direction make Combat Girls well worth a watch if you are lucky enough to find it.
