Taking Sides (2002)

In the wake of World War II's devastation, the scorched landscape of Berlin forms the unsettling backdrop for the intricate tale of Wilhelm Furtwangler, a maestro whose baton directed the Berlin Philharmonic during the contentious Nazi era. As renowned and celebrated as his contemporaries, Furtwangler's reputation shone brightly in the 1930s, rivaling that of the legendary Toscanini. However, the post-war world brought a shift in the winds as the Allies began their painstaking de-Nazification program. Amidst the rubble of Berlin, the Allied forces strive to restore justice and order in an occupied Germany. Furtwangler's file lands in the hands of the unyielding Major Steve Arnold, an American soldier tasked with investigating the conductor's actions during the war, thus setting the stage for a riveting clash of cultures, ideals, and loyalties. Unfamiliar with the nuances of the world he is probing, Major Arnold, tough as nails, is determined to prosecute Furtwangler with all the ruthlessness he can muster. He sees the conductor as nothing more than a weak-willed Nazi, a puppet who danced to their tunes. Yet, Furtwangler's orchestra members paint a different picture, testifying to his attempts to shield Jewish musicians from the regime's atrocities. To them, and to the Germans still steeped in their profound respect for their musical legacy, Furtwangler was more than a conductor; he was a beacon of hope, a demigod. Caught in the crossfire of allegations and defense, Furtwangler contends that his music and his politics were distinct, separate entities. But will Major Arnold, driven by his quest for justice, see beyond the black and white of his mission? 'Taking Sides' is a compelling drama that explores this tense post-war investigation, unraveling the intricate relationship between art, politics, and survival in the most challenging times.

Taking Sides is a drama movie featuring Harvey Keitel and directed by István Szabó.

Taking Sides is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Tubi TV and myfilmfriend and it's also available on Amazon Prime Video.

It is also possible to buy Taking Sides on Amazon Video.