homersimpson_esq
Posts: 19969
Joined: 30/9/2005
From: Springfield
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The Counterfeiters
Before going to see this (on its very limited release) I tried to think if I'd seen any foreign films at the cinema before. With new foreign cinema, they've either been too quick to go, not in at all, or I've felt I can wait till DVD and save money for films that really need to be seen on the big screen. The one foreign film I have seen on the big screen was a special screening of Seven Samurai which was a treat. Anyway, to business...
Detailing the war-time existence of Salomon 'Sally' Sorowitsch, a Russian Jewish counterfeiter in Germany, the film is a grimily realised atypical look at life in a concentration camp. It's like a filthy version of The Shawshank Redemption's sub plot where Andy Dufresne uses his skills to get certain benefits within the prison. Here it is Sally's ability as a counterfeiter that leads to his transfer to a camp where he heads a team counterfeiting the British pound, and the American dollar. Markovics, who plays Sally, is a wonder to watch as emotions flit across his face. He's no saint, but does what he has to to survive.
The film tries to shy away from stereotypes, although there is still the evil guard, and the inmate who can't 'hack it' (a fair consideration for what they went through). Still, it does paint a different picture, for the most part, of a camp where if you have skills you can get a better deal. We are never allowed to forget, through the guards, that our protagonists are considered sub-human, but they do get comfortable beds, and recreational treats. We are drawn into their circle of camaraderie such that we find ourselves in the odd position of cheering for the Germans in minor victories against the British (one stand out scene that will have you smiling).
There is a less defined ending to the war-time scenes prior to returning to the post-war Sally in Monte Carlo, but that aside this is a fine film, and I'd recommend it while you still have the chance. If not, then certainly one for DVD.
The Acting - 7/10 - sterling (no pun intended) stuff from Markovics, and the guy who plays Herzog the self-styled 'Man-Who-Would-Be-Schindler' is clearly having fun.
The Look - 7/10 - it's a nice grainy, grimy print, and the story is suitably unpredictable in the small details, as it is predictable in the outcome.
The Sound - 8/10 - a superb harmonica-based score which on the surface sound stereotypical (they are in a prison) but the manner in which it is played adds extra levels to the emotion.
The Story - 8/10 - A tautly written piece despite spanning about 12 years, with some well-written smaller characters, and a good balance of the different plot strands, such that they are.
Success of Intent - 9/10 - It's a fresh look at war-time Germany, which is no mean feat some 62 years after the war ended. The irony of watching this film today of all days only just hit me.
Overall - 39/50, or
78%
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That deep-browed Homer ruled as his demesne.  TREK WARS |
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