Munich: The Edge of War Parent Guide

In any list of catastrophically misguided utterances, Neville Chamberlain’s “Peace for our time” must rank near the top. Desperate to avoid war with Nazi Germany, the British Prime Minister had flown to Munich to meet with Hitler, sacrificing Czechoslovakian territory to avert a conflict. Returning home to jubilant crowds, Chamberlain brandished a signed non-aggression pact, reassuring the British people that he had achieved “peace with honour…peace for our time.”

Tragically, Hitler cared little for the agreement, describing it as a “scrap of paper”. Within a year, Hitler was on the march, and England was pulled inexorably into the vortex of the Second World War. Chamberlain has since been consigned to the dustbin of history, marked as a dupe or a fool, eclipsed by his legendary successor, Winston Churchill.

Munich: The Edge of War is a period drama set in the momentous days of September 1938. It centers around the fictional character of Hugh Legat (George MacKay), private secretary to Neville Chamberlain (played with weary pragmatism by the great Jeremy Irons). Legat is quietly ambitious, deftly waiting on the Prime Minister and absorbing increasing responsibility. His life turns upside down when MI6 (Britain’s foreign intelligence service) informs him that he must accompany the P.M. to Munich so he can meet with an estranged German friend from his years at Oxford. Paul von Hartmann (Jannis Niewöhner) has a critical document to share with the British and Legat is a natural choice to receive it. Legat, however, is not a natural spy, and as he travels to Germany, he learns just how dangerous Hitler’s Third Reich has become…

This film is a reminder that no one does period drama better than the Brits. The writing is taut, the pacing crisp, and the tension doesn’t let up for a minute, but it’s the casting that really shines. The UK’s acting bench is breathtakingly deep and this film’s talent doesn’t stop with Irons and MacKay. With secondary roles being filled by Alex Jennings, Nicholas Farrell, and Mark Lewis Jones, this production has a superfluity of talent. If you love historical films or spy movies or solid dramas, this is as good a choice as you’re going to find. And having it streaming for free on Netflix mere weeks after its theatrical release makes it an irresistible choice.

The only downside here comes with some negative content. Surprisingly there is very little on-screen violence and no sex aside from brief kissing. There is an extended scene of a university party involving excessive alcohol consumption, which is treated lightheartedly and results in significant intoxication. There is also some profanity, including two sexual expletives.

Content issues aside, Munich: The Edge of War, is a great choice for adults and mature teens who want a film that gives them something to think about. In particular, it brings Chamberlain’s legacy into sharp focus, and will likely spark heated debates after the movie about how this doomed Prime Minister should be assessed. Even viewers who aren’t history buffs will find the movie fast paced enough to keep them on the edge of their seats.