NICOLE ALBERTSON
Life Editor
Taking a new spin on the horrific tragedy of the Nazi army and concentration camps, “The Counterfeiters” is an impressive German drama able to combine the sadness and sorrow of the war with the passion to stay alive. This true story taken from holocaust survivor Adolf Burger is an inspiring story about ideals, morals and family values.
Set in 1930’s Germany, the audience is first introduced to Salomon Sorowitsch “Sally” (Karl Markovics) as the world- best counterfeiter months away from forging the American dollar. After he is captured and put in jail, Sally is moved to a special concentration camp and forced to replicate the English pound and American dollar, aiding the German war effort to destroy the English and American economy. Working with a specialized team of captives, the group successfully counterfeits the English pound. But when one vital member of the team sabotages their attempts to forge the dollar for political reasons, all the prisoners are forced to choose between saving their lives and dying for a cause.
Starring actor Markovics leads the band of counterfeiters as a quiet and powerful man of very few words. While only delivering a few lines throughout the film. Markovics is able to create a very unusual character by combining selfishness with compassion. Having already struck up a deal with Hauptscharfuhrer Holst (Martin Brambach), a Nazi officer in the concentration camp, Sally cares very little about his contribution to the Nazi war despite multiple attempts from anti-war activist Adolf Burger (August Diehl). Yet, despite his selfish actions to save his own life and contribute to the deaths of others, Markovics is still able to show Sally’s compassion and emotions through gentle gestures with his fellow workers and inmates. Although portraying an utterly despicable character, Markovics proves his talent by highlighting his humanity and understanding for those around him.
Supplimenting Markovics’ hard personality, supporting characters Burger, Sturmbannfuhrer Herzog (Devid Striesow), Dr. Klinger (August Zirner) and Kolya Karloff (Sebastian Urzendowsky) bring emotional distress and heartache to “The Counterfeiters.” Righteous Burger creates a moral and ethical challenge for Sally’s stern precedence. Although Sally’s past remains a mystery, his supporters remind the audience of the importance and tragedy that occurred during the war. This wonderful band of actors gives the film a realistic sense that almost does not seem like acting. Their passion and emotion ranges give each character an unforgotten life that will live on in their work.
Written and directed by Stefan Ruzowitzky, the film takes a different approach to the Nazi concentration camps than any World War II films have before. While most films concentrate on the terror and attempts to escape Germany that most people endured, Ruzowitzky jumps through the beginning of the film in order to concentrate on the matters inside the camp. This interesting approach assumes a level of intelligence from its audience.
Not just another WWII movie, “The Counterfeiters” sheds light on the captives’ contribution to end the war. Put together, the inmates create the largest counterfeiting operation in history and have the opportunity to alter the course of the war. This movie serves as a reminder to focus on the good of the people and forgo personal wealth and benefits.
“The Counterfeiters” is a hard and emotional drama that shows off the unsung heroes of WWII who would otherwise go unnoticed. Displaying both the torturous times and life-altering moments that occurred throughout the war, “The Counterfeiters” is able to deliver a fresh approach on WWII that has never been experienced before.
03-20-2008
