(The German title, "Napola," refers to the name of special Nazi schools.) Although the wartime setting supplies a marketing angle, it's solid enough to succeed on its dramatic qualities alone. Friedrich has been admitted for his boxing skills, and quickly adapts to the militaristic life of the school. The Nazis considered pity a weakness, and this makes the choice of boxing -- perhaps the most uncompromising of sports -- a good dramatic foil for Gansel's ideas.

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