The Man in the High Castle

The Man in the High Castle is as riveting as it is puzzling.

I started watching this Amazon series when it first premiered in 2015. Although I took a long break between seasons, I eventually returned and was completely engrossed by its highly unique and fascinating plot.

Plot

The story takes place in an alternate universe where the Axis powers (Nazi Germany and Japan) won World War II. The story starts 20 years after the war (1960s) in the United States were the country has been divided into 3 sections, the western states (referred to as the Japanese Pacific states), the Midwest (referred to as the Neutral zone), and the eastern states (referred to as the Greater Nazi Reich).

The story is based on Philip K. Dick’s 1962 novel of the same name. I have not read the book so my thoughts and review are solely based on the Amazon series.

The series is consists of 4 seasons, 10 episodes per season. It starts with Juliana Crain (Alexa Davalos), a young woman who resides in San Francisco (under Japanese rule) with her long-time boyfriend Frank Frink (Rupert Evans). In the first episode, she discovers a set of film reels from an alternate universe in which the allies are shown winning the war. Quickly she becomes acquainted with the resistance and subsequently takes a significant role in leading the revolution.

For me, this series had some fascinating and unforgettable moments, however it did inhibit some perplexing and dull plot points which left me confused as to my overall take on the series.

Fascinating & Unforgettable Moments

My favourite scene was in season 1, were Juliana’s boyfriend, Frank Frink is invited into the home of a friend.

Frank is of Jewish descent but, due to obvious reasons,has kept that part of him hidden away. After his sister, niece, and nephew are shamelessly murdered because of their heritage, he is invited to the home of a friend. Frank follows him down to his basement and discovers that he too is Jewish. His friend and others present then begin to recite Jewish prayers for Frank’s now deceased family. Frank breaks down in sobs and joins in the prayer.

The Man in the High Castle is truly faithful in depicting historical practices of Nazi behaviour. Showcasing the complexity of their ideology and the eventual flaws in its practice and preservation.

The destruction of American patriotism and history were both very compelling and shocking. The series also examined the issues regarding race and how freedom and peace was not achieved for all ethnic groups in the allies’ universe.

In season 4 they introduce different ethnic groups, their eventual fate within an axis-ruling world, and how white American soldiers and families surrendered to the Reich and its beliefs in order to secure their survival.

Overall the series proves that freedom is the crucial attribute of which humanity yearns for, even if said freedom is only pertaining to ones belief or culture.

Perplexing & Dull Plot points

Alexa Davalos’ performance was excellent, however, her character was not my favourite. Even though she had become an important member of the resistance she was, in my opinion, not well developed as a character. She had overcome so much during her journey and still till the very end she always appeared to be unsure of her decisions.

I believe Rupert Evans’ Frank should have been the lead of the show. His contribution to the resistance and his overall story was much more impactful both to the plot the viewer.

The Japanese politics were hard to follow and very dull at times. The actors did a fantastic job but their depicted fall was too quick and easy.

Although unique, I did not like the mythology behind the multiverse and the travellers. The series never fully explained the rules behind the concept, adding a lot of unneeded confusion and plot holes.

Although the ending was satisfactory it ultimately felt rushed an incomplete.

Conclusion

Overall, would recommend this show, it had great acting,

engrossing world building, and excellent cinematography.