“We should not judge people by their peak of excellence; but by the distance they have traveled from the point where they started” (Henry Ward Beecher). By this measure, Peter Müller, the main character in the 1993 film Swing Kids, is an exemplary representation of the human character. Introduced as passionate follower of American swing music and close friend of Arvid and Peter during the Nazi regime, Peter initially views Hitler’s party in a poor light, yet is conflicted by his father, who attempted to help persecuted Jews. Increasing pressure from his mother and a faustian bargain force him to join Hitler Jugend (HJ), which he faithfully trains with until he has an epiphany about its effect on Thomas, among other things. Eventually, Peter
