Review of The Counterfeiters (2007) by Joe K — 17 Feb 2010

A terrific story about a Jewish counterfeiter who is caught in Berlin and sent to a concentration camp. While in the camp he sketches a drawing of an SS Officer, who is very impressed, which then leads to him painting portraits of the officers and their families. He is eventually summoned by the same officer who arrested him for a secret plan to counterfeit the English pound, and the U.S. dollar. After some drastic events he becomes torn whether to continue helping the Nazi cause to keep himself alive, or to rebel against it, which would mean certain death.

This is a prime example of flawless film making. I just now got finished watching it, and I would sit through it again right at this moment.

Out of all its glory, one thing stands out more, and that is the performance by Karl Markovics as Salomon Smolianoff. His performance can only be described, in my opinion, as expressionless and unaffected. We know he is torn about which way to go, but Markovics does such an amazing job, we the viewer don't actually know.

This film won the Academy Award 2 years ago for "Best Foreign Language Film," and it wholeheartedly deserves it. Besides the obvious Schindler's List, this would have to be my 2nd for best film involving the Holocaust subject matter.

Truly a remarkable movie that I hope more and more people give a chance. Perfection.