Review: "The Counterfeiters"
Franck Tabouring
Seen on: April 19, 2008
The players: Director: Stefan Ruzowitzky, Writer: Stefan Ruzowitzky, Cast: Karl Markovics, August Diehl, Devid Striesow, Martin Brambach, August Zirner
Facts of interest: Based on a book by Adolf Burger.
The plot: A skilled counterfeiter is forced to fake foreign currency for the Nazis during World War II.
Our thoughts: “The Counterfeiters” is a fascinating film. Based in part on true events, this Austrian masterpiece focuses on a group of Jewish inmates forced to assist the Nazis in faking foreign currency to bring down the British and American economies. Leading the secret operation at the concentration camp in Sachsenhausen is the film’s protagonist Salomon Sorowitsch (Karl Markovics), who uses his unique abilities to kowtow to the superintendent and protect the lives of his fellow prisoners.
Stefan Ruzowitzky’s film tells a World War II story different from the ones we are usually used to in this genre. Although they deeply suffer under the brutality of Hitler and his followers, the counterfeiters receive an unusually comfortable treatment at the camp because they are the only ones with the necessary expertise to pull off the Nazis’ reckless plan. The depiction of inmates sleeping on mattresses and listening to classical music while working is indeed a rare one.
The real strength of the film, however, lies in the captivating development of its main characters, especially the focus on Salomon’s struggle with a crucial moral dilemma. He can either give in to the pressure of one of his colleagues and sabotage the entire operation, or he can follow his orders and have a shot at saving the lives of his comrades. The conflicts arising between some of the prisoners with differing ideologies create some unforgettable moments.
Markovics’ performance as the king of counterfeiters is remarkable. He’s constantly at war with his own mind, always trying to figure out how to do the right thing before it’s too late. In essence, the plot remains quite simplistic throughout, but Salomon’s struggle to choose between his own ideals and the future of other inmates creates constant suspense and drives the entire story line. Most of the film takes place inside the facilities at he camp, which along with Ruzowitzky’s captivating direction, provides an overall gloomy atmosphere.
The final word: Austria’s first film to win the Oscar for best foreign language film, “The Counterfeiters” tells an intriguing story depicting the brutality of the Nazis and their devilish plans to take over the world. The movie is also a sincere testimony to a group of men treated a whole lot differently than most detainees at various concentration camps. A must-see.
Reader Comments (1)
I love this movie!! It rocks..everyone should go see it.