The ghost army

This was a unique documentary which I watched, thanks to Netflix again! I know a bit about spies and intelligence agencies trying to gather information from the enemy, but this documentary was special as it showcases a different tactic - fooling the enemy by sending out false signals through various means, thereby diverting the enemy's attention from where the real action is happening. Novel, eh!

This unit from the allies operated during the second World war, and they relied on three types of deception : visual, sonic and radio. The visual department's aim was to create elaborate fake armored divisions at strategic locations. They also partly camouflaged the vehicles and  created fake tracks so that reconnaissance airplanes can pick up the 'clues':

Inflatable tanks :)

The sonic division recorded and overlay different sounds for scenarios - building bridges, tanks moving in, Captains swearing at the soldiers, the whole works. And they would play them over some real huge - ass speakers, so that the enemy would pick up the sounds and think that there is some major action happening :

Kick - ass speakers

The radio division studied the actual army's transmissions and used them in planned locations, so that this radio chatter may be picked up by the enemy, thwarting them to believe that something big was going on, when there wasn't:

Radio

The unique thing about these folks was that, they hardly fired an actual shot throughout the war! Their objective was to practically become sitting ducks, diverting enemy attention and fire towards themselves!

After the war, many of the folks from this unit went on well- acclaimed artists. The sketches that they made while at war became points of references to capture emotions which photographs may not.

This unit and their activities were kept under wraps for 40 years after World War two. This was because of the cold war. This tactical unit was supposed to have been very effective during World war 2, and the U.S didn't want the erstwhile U.S.S.R to prepare themselves against such tactics.

Anyone interested in World War two should definitely watch this, as this adds a few dimensions to your knowledge of the war.

*I do not own any of these images. All pictures courtesy their respective owners*

Das Boot: Director's cut

We are conditioned to form stereotypes everywhere. Cinema and media are rife with examples. We are brainwashed to believe that one side is always good, and everyone else is the enemy. Our opinions, ideology and thoughts are forged by what we consume and who we associate with. Mega conglomerates control the media, and political ideology aims to polarize the masses. We divide everyone and everything based on Language, geography, colour ,religion, and everything else in between. In such a time, Das boot stands out with its honest attempt in portraying men during war. There are no heroes or villains here, just crewmen doing their job, and listening to their Captain.

Das boot (The boat) is a German movie about a U-boat and its crew, set during WW2. The movie is based on a 1973 German book by Lothar-Günther Buchheim, who in fact was a war correspondent. He had worked for the propaganda department of the German Navy during WW2. Lt. Werner's character in this movie is said to based on Buchheim. 

Almost the entire movie consists events which happen inside the submarine. There is no hurrying, as we are introduced to each and every character and their stories. Nothing sticks out, and like going through the pages of a good book, we get to identify with the characters - the longing lover, the loving husband, and the energy of youth.

Jürgen Prochnow delivers a terrific performance as the U- boat's stoic, rock - solid, war hardened and unflinching captain. Brilliant leadership traits are on display here. Like a rock on a rough shore, his eyes betray little emotion. Faced with utmost adversity, he is unfazed and issues commands with absolutely no hint of fear. 'I need proper reports', he thunders, when his submarine is on the brink of sinking. Make no mistake, his subtle changes in expression reveal a range of emotions - hope, triumph, dedication and sadness. At no point confuse his demeanor and harsh words as those from a soulless man.

There are some absolutely gripping nail-biting sequences when the U-boat attacks enemy ships and dives, to evade anti-submarine weapons. The atmosphere is fraught with tension and the seconds move like hours. Many times I felt like I had stepped into Maat (Petty Officer) Hinrich's shoes (The radioman and sonar controller, who is the window to the outside world, while underwater). The sonar pings piercing the silence created an atmosphere of heightened awareness and I was riveted. The sounds will stay with me for a long time.

See sounds

At 3.5 Hours, it is a very long movie. But at no point I felt this. There is enough drama and tension to keep you firmly glued to your seat. Do not expect a traditional plot, character or ending. Nothing can categorize the movie, that is the brilliance.

I was amazed at the cinematography, at how the camera moved fluidly within the cramped spaces of the submarine. We feel that we are a part of the movie, living and breathing with its characters. The crew's myriad expressions are captured very well. The editing is top - notch.This is an immersive experience, best seen in the biggest of screens.

Anyone remotely interested in WW2 should not miss this masterpiece. I'm very sure I'm going to watch this gem again. Watch this version with subtitles.

*I do not own any of these images. All pictures courtesy their respective owners*