Marisa is a 20-year old girl who identifies herself with a neo-Nazi group. Practicing extreme racism, the group propagates hatred towards anyone who appears of non-white ethnicity. One day, in a fit of rage, Marisa gets involved in an incident that makes her realize the real harm such hatred can cause. Also, in an astute move, the director does well to include in the movie the character of a younger, 15-year old girl inspired by Marisa and attracted to the group – in effect telling us much about Marisa’s probable backstory without employing the conventions of flashback. Combat Girls is director David Wnendt’s debut, as well as film-school graduation film, but this fact is not obvious from the excellent movie he has made. The performances, production values, script and the direction are on par with that of seasoned directors. More importantly, Wnendt’s film, although specific to one country and about one extremist group, presents the attraction to and effects of such hatred with universal resonance.
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