Labyrinth of Lies

A complex drama set in 1950s West Germany, where an idealistic young prosecutor tries to bring former Nazi officers to justice, only to be met with obstruction from a society unwilling to face the crimes of its past. Seen through the eyes of Alexander Fehling's earnest lead character, the much-explored issue of Nazi war crimes here is seen from a German viewpoint, allowing an exploration of a national identity still in flux and trying to balance recent history with the demands of progress. This dilemma is murky and complicated, and it's disappointing that the plot should be so obvious in places. Though the horrific events in the background have been softened, this nevertheless remains compelling thanks to a well-written romantic subplot, which leads to a twist that adds a bitter edge to the investigation. Labyrinth of Lies is formulaic in parts, but it shines a light on a fascinating period in German history, adding a human element to a complicated moral issue.