The Counterfeiters
By Mal Simons, Blockbuster.co.uk
Telling the incredible true story of the largest counterfeiting operation in history – devised by Nazi Germany to use against the British; The Counterfeiters tells the story of Salomon Sorowitsch, a master counterfeiter, imprisoned as a Jew, who plays a pivotal role in the Nazi scheme. A gripping story from the director of Anatomy; if you liked Downfall, you’ll love this.
After a brief period after the war which sees Salomon Sorowitsch (
Karl Markovics) arrive at a French hotel and casino with a case full of cash, the story of The Counterfeiters is told in flashback from the perspective of man most involved.
Salomon Sorowitsch is at the top of his game. A master criminal, Sorowitsch is one of the world’s most wanted men who moves around Germany to avoid being caught by the authorities. After successfully counterfeiting the pound note, Sorowitsch has turned his attention onto producing the US Dollar. A Jew living in Nazi Germany; Sorowitsch appears to be oblivious to the plight of the Jewish people, charging full rates for his counterfeits and refusing to get involved in anything that would draw the attention of the German Police.
In 1936 however, Sorowitsch is arrested and imprisoned by the German police and later is sent to a Jewish Concentration camp during World War II.
While in the camp, Sorowitsch manages to get out of most of the backbreaking tasks the other Jewish prisoners are given by painting portraits of the Commandant’s family and given the job of painting various parts of the camp. In exchange, he is rewarded by additional rations and relaxed discipline.
After a while however, Sorowitsch and a number of other Jews are transferred from the camp to one overseen by Adolf Burger (
August Diehl), the former police detective that arrested him. Burger greatly respects Sorowitsch’s abilities as a counterfeiter; and assigns him to a top secret project that uses Jews (that are expendable), intended to flood Britain with millions in fake pound notes which would cripple the British economy and the war effort.
Sorowitsch is a survivor and initially willingly cooperates with the Germans; over the course of the war however; he grows closer to the other Jewish prisoners and changes to fight for the survival of not only himself but also his new friends.
A brilliant film from writer and director
Stefan Rozuwitzky, The Counterfeiters is a beautifully written and shot film about a Nazi plot that has only recently come to light. This is a very deep movie with lots of interesting twists and turns – indeed, often this is edge of your seat stuff.
Shot primarily in the German language, this is highly recommended to rent. Add to your list now!