Review of The Counterfeiters (2007) by Robin W — 23 Sep 2008

This year's Oscar-winner for Best Foreign Language Film is a fascinating true story that is unlike any Holocaust film ever seen before. It shows that some concentration camp prisoners did receive very decent treatment, but in return, they would have to print counterfeit money that would fund the Nazi war effort; the film brings up a lot of tough questions with no easy answers, and makes the viewer debate just how much of their soul a person should sacrifice in order to stay alive.

The film hinges a lot on the performance of its lead actor, Karl Markovics, and he does an outstanding job, creating a character whom one can sympathize with, but isn't so righteous and sentimental that his actions don't ring true.