New York, NY, December 20, 2002 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL), while reiterating its reservations about attempts to humanize Adolf Hitler in film or on television, today said the new motion picture "Max" portrays him "accurately and realistically."

Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director, issued the following statement:

"Max" does a good job in showing Hitler for who he was, an anti-Semite and hatemonger with a predisposition for delivering speeches aimed at stirring popular sentiment against the Jews. While some people will find it offensive, "Max" does not glorify Hitler in any way, offering an accurate and realistic portrayal of Hitler the monster that certainly does not lend itself to a sympathetic view. The film shows a man strongly influenced and motivated by his anti-Semitism and likewise offers a realistic portrayal of the rampant anti-Semitism of the period.

We remain much concerned, however, by the recent desire of filmmakers to humanize Hitler the man, Hitler the artist, Hitler the young person. We find it trivializing and offensive, and would hope that future films based on Hitler's life will strive to portray him for the anti-Semite, bigot and murderer that he was.

The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world's leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry.