Review of The Counterfeiters (2007) by Remote G — 27 Jan 2011

By Film Editor for remotegoat on 23/10/07.

This German / Austrian film is based on true story of a team of Jews, who are imprisoned to counterfeit millions of pounds & US dollars, for the German war effort. This is based on the memoirs "The Devils Workshop" of Berger, who although he wasn't a Jew, was taken as a political prisoner, due to his communist publications. the fact that he is rescued from the gas chambers, for his skills in counterfeiting, plays heavily on his conscience. It addresses themes of honor, morality & survival, with humor & economy of vision.

I was fortunate enough to watch the film at a preview screening, with an Q&A with the Director & lead actor. I learnt that the director developed a good relationship with Berger, who trusted his vision. The director spent more time in rehearsal, so that when it came to the actual filming, it was done quickly, in a documentary style with a sense of urgency. This approach, gives the film a honest reality to it, that a Hollywood treatment of complex shots, would have marred to true essence of the story.

And this reason I like this film so much is that it is the German filmmakers telling their own story, of their nations history, as any nation should. To tell their own history & not have it told to them & the world, by Hollywood alone.