The Odessa File Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A German journalist joins a secret Nazi fan club only to discover that the club leader killed his dad, so he seeks revenge.

🍿 The Odessa File: Detailed Plot Synopsis

A Journalist’s Discovery

In 1963 Hamburg, freelance journalist Peter Miller becomes entangled in a dangerous web after discovering the diary of Salomon Tauber, a Jewish Holocaust survivor who recently committed suicide. The diary details Tauber’s horrific experiences at the Riga concentration camp under the command of the ruthless SS Captain Eduard Roschmann. Miller becomes obsessed with finding Roschmann and bringing him to justice. This leads him to uncover the existence of ODESSA, a secret organization dedicated to protecting former SS members.

Infiltration and Danger

Miller’s investigation draws him deeper into the world of ODESSA, putting him in contact with Simon Wiesenthal, the famous Nazi hunter. He also gains the attention of Israeli intelligence, who are tracking ODESSA’s involvement in developing missile guidance systems for Egypt, threatening Israel. To get closer to Roschmann, Miller agrees to infiltrate ODESSA, taking on the identity of a former SS member. This risky endeavor forces him to learn the rituals and beliefs of the SS, all while dodging attempts on his life.

Unmasking Roschmann

As Miller navigates the treacherous landscape of ODESSA, he uncovers a file containing the new identities of high-ranking former SS officers, including Roschmann, now living under the name Hans Josef Kiefel. Miller’s pursuit intensifies as he closes in on Roschmann, but he also puts his girlfriend, Sigi, in danger. The journalist confronts him at his secluded castle and the story climaxes when it is revealed that Roschmann killed Miller’s father during the war.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Peter Miller (Jon Voight): A determined freelance journalist who investigates ODESSA and seeks revenge for his father’s death.
• Eduard Roschmann (Maximilian Schell): A former S.S. Captain and war criminal, protected by ODESSA, who commanded a concentration camp during World War II.
• Sigi (Mary Tamm): Peter Miller’s girlfriend who supports his investigation and becomes entangled in the dangerous pursuit of ODESSA.
• Klaus Wenzer (Derek Jacobi): An ODESSA member and document forger who provides new identities for former SS officers.
• Simon Wiesenthal (Shmuel Rodensky): A famous Nazi hunter who provides Miller with information about ODESSA and its activities.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Peter Miller: “Do you remember a man with the name of Tauber?” – Miller confronts Roschmann, attempting to jog his memory of one of his victims and expose his past.
• Eduard Roschmann: “I can’t remember all the prisoners’ names.” – Roschmann’s dismissive reply highlights his indifference to the suffering he caused.
• Peter Miller: “He died in Hamburg last November. He gassed himself. Are you listening?” – Miller reveals the fate of Salomon Tauber to Roschmann, emphasizing the consequences of his actions.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $7,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $1,113,301
• Worldwide Gross: $4,400,000

💥 The Odessa File Reviews

Personal Review

I was completely drawn into this movie. Jon Voight’s character is captivating as he seeks justice and uncovers hidden secrets. The scene where he infiltrates the Nazi reunion gave me chills! I found myself emotionally invested, especially when his personal connection to the SS Captain becomes clear. The climax was truly suspenseful. Definitely a must-see for thriller fans!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of historical thrillers”
  • “Viewers interested in stories about Nazi hunters”
  • “Those who appreciate suspenseful investigations”
  • “Individuals interested in post-World War II espionage”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence”
  • “References to Nazi atrocities”
  • “Mild language”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “A tense and gripping thriller, *The Odessa File* effectively blends historical elements with suspense, though its pacing can be uneven at times. Voight delivers a compelling performance as the determined journalist.
• The New York Times: “While *The Odessa File* delves into a dark chapter of history, its focus on plot mechanics over character depth somewhat diminishes its impact. Still, it provides an engaging look at post-war Nazi activity.
• Time Out: “This Frederick Forsyth adaptation provides a nail-biting journey into the heart of a Nazi conspiracy. Strong performances and a well-crafted narrative make it a standout thriller from the 70s.

Audience Reactions

The suspenseful plot kept me on the edge of my seat until the very end.: Viewers praised the film’s engaging story, highlighting its twists and turns.

Jon Voight’s performance was incredible and really carried the movie.: Many viewers celebrated Jon Voight’s portrayal of Peter Miller.

Overall Consensus: *The Odessa File* is a well-regarded thriller praised for its suspenseful narrative and Jon Voight’s performance, though some critics find its pacing uneven.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film is based on Frederick Forsyth’s novel of the same name, which was a bestseller upon release.”
• “Eduard Roschmann was a real-life wanted war criminal living in South America. He became even more wanted after the book and movie, and he turned up dead, rumored to have been killed by O.D.E.S.S.A. to stop the search for him that the media had begun.”
• “Andrew Lloyd Webber wrote the music for the film, which some critics found intrusive.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Odessa File?

As of October 2024, “The Odessa File” is available for purchase or rental on various platforms, including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check your local streaming services for availability as it may vary by region. Unfortunately, it is not currently available to stream on subscription services like Netflix or Hulu.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Odessa File, you might like these similar films:

• Marathon Man (1976): Features a protagonist caught in a web of intrigue involving Nazi war criminals and hidden secrets.
• The Boys from Brazil (1978): Deals with a secret organization of Nazis plotting in the aftermath of World War II and hunting Nazi war criminals.
• Munich (2005): Explores the themes of revenge and justice in the wake of historical atrocities, focusing on the Mossad’s response to the Munich Massacre.
• The Day of the Jackal (1973): Another adaptation of a Frederick Forsyth novel, known for its suspenseful plot and meticulous attention to detail in its depiction of espionage and political intrigue.

🛒 The Odessa File Related Products

• The Odessa File (Blu-ray): A high-definition transfer of the classic film, allowing fans to experience the suspense in stunning detail. This edition includes special features such as behind-the-scenes footage and interviews.
• Frederick Forsyth – The Odessa File (Kindle Edition): The original novel by Frederick Forsyth, a must-read for fans of the film. The Kindle edition offers an immersive reading experience with adjustable font sizes and a built-in dictionary.
• The Odessa File Movie Poster Print: A high-quality reproduction of the original movie poster, capturing the iconic imagery of the film. Printed on archival paper for lasting beauty.
• The Odessa File T-Shirt: Featuring the iconic artwork or a quote from the movie. Available in various sizes and colors.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Odessa File features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Christmas Dream” – performed by Perry Como
• “Main Title” – performed by Andrew Lloyd Webber

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Odessa file

Ever wondered what made ‘The Odessa File’ so suspenseful? It might just be Andrew Lloyd Webber’s amazing theme tune! Give it a listen and tell me it doesn’t make you feel like you’re right in the middle of the action.

✨ Rate