Apparently, the documentary filmmakers could not decide. There are suc parts, the interesting ones are the first and the sixth as they actually tell the story of of the colony. The middle four are about complicated history of Chile. It is mildly interesting how a colony became a charity organization and survived virtually outside of Chilean jurisdiction, but that could have been covered in 30 minutes. Worse, the filmmakers leave us with an impression that few hundred German farmers and artisans were influencing the fate of 17 millions strong nation and were involved in all sorts of sinister political activities. For example, we are told that using their charity status they were illegally importing guns. Soon after we learn that it was just one rusted submachine gun which they reverse engineered and built 50 copies for self defense. Indeed, that shook Chilean military to the core. At the same time, important details are not covered. Colonists ran a charity hospital, but who were the doctors? Colonists were forbidden to marry, but we see plenty of blind children all the time. How many colonists were there? The initial number given is 300, surely they could not dominate Chilean society. It is really a shame that documentary went off the rails so quickly as the subject is indeed fascinating.
