By Chlotrudis Independent Film Society
Rating: 4 cats
Director: Stefan Ruzowitzky
Starring: August Diehl | Devid Striesow | Karl Markovics
Original language title: Die Fälscher
Country: austria, germany
Year: 2008
Running time: 98
IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0813547/
Philip says: “Austria’s first Oscar win for Best Foreign Language Film, DIE FÄLSCHER (THE COUNTERFEITERS) proves to be a complicated exercise on prisoner ethics in the midst of the Holocaust horror. All kinds of questions arise in this film regarding survival and morality. How does one navigate personal morality and allegiance to a larger community when the individual is simply trying to survive? With so many films focusing on the Holocaust, it can be tricky from a filmmaker’s perspective to present yet another version of this story. Focusing on Operation Bernhard (the Nazi counterfeiting scheme) makes for a fascinating tale while still honoring those persecuted. Karl Markovics (a prolific German television actor) delivers a subtle and stunning performance as Saloman (Sally) Sorowitcsh, the counterfeiting thief and main character. August Diehl (LOVE IN THOUGHTS) as Burger is the film’s constant reminder of life outside of the somewhat calm world. Also of note is Sebastian Urzendowsky in a minor role as Koyla Karloff, the innocent boy clinging to his memories. This film draws you in slowly and with a subtle intensity. 4.5 cats”
Carolyn says: “Concentration camps are a bleak setting. This film, though, gives a slightly different take on the Holocaust theme following a group ultimately working for the enemy, but coping with ethics, survival, and internal dissent and possible betrayal. 3.5 cats”