DVD
REVIEW: THE COUNTERFEITERS
07/31/08
“The Counterfeiters” is a
story about survival told with tactfulness, intelligence and
heart moving historical events. Viewers will embark in a
very complex turmoil of emotions; tragedy, despair,
hopelessness, frustration, loses brought about from a 1930’s
World War I concentration camp. This is a dark thriller with
the crude reality of the events that happened back them, yet
the plot contains one of the most inspiring stories of how
the spirit can survive in the middle of adversity. This is a
film that needs to be seen with an objective eye, caution
morality issues will be put to the test.
The tension is high for
Solomon Sorowitsch (Karl Markovics) who having a reputation
of being “King of the Counterfeiters” is spotted by the
Nazis at a concentration, based on his skills. His abilities
in the counterfeiter business become an asset for the
Germans who already have a project for him and a few others
with similar expertise. The deal for Solomon is simple as
long as he provides the fake money, and bank notes, he gets
a comfortable bed, food and some other privileges
ultimately, survival. Mind games, power struggles, dirty
deals become part of this clever story.
Staying alive is the goal
of these concentration men held captive, but what producers
Josef Aichholzer, Nina Bohlmann and Babette Schroder have
set free is a film that will survive to the point of being
called a “classic” up to par with “Schindler’s List”. For
director Stefan Ruzowitzky it was intended that most part of
this film be dark with some bloody scenes, and emotionally
complex, needless to say is only recommended for adult
viewers. The entire movie is spoken in German and French
with preferred language subtitles which gives the film a
more realistic tone and mood. The music selected from tango
to waltz was beautiful and nicely selected; thumbs up for
Hugo Diaz and Marius Ruhland. There is no doubt that this
film is definitely a winner with a promise to be viewed more
than once.
VIDEO:
1.85:1 Anamorphic Widescreen
AUDIO:
German
5.1 (Dolby Digital).
Subtitles - English Spanish
French - Optional
SPECIAL FEATURES:
Making of The Counterfeiters:
This is a short German featurette talking about the making
of the film, includes comments from Director Stefan Ruzowitzky
and cast (10:02)
Commentary with
Director Stefan Ruzowitzky
An Interview with Adolf
Burger
An Interview with Karl
Markovics
Adolf Burger's
Historical Artifacts: This probably the best
featurette of this DVD. Real counterfeiter Adolf Burger talk
tell his story (19:59)
An Interview with
Director Stefan Ruzowitzky
Q&A with Stefan
Ruzowitzky (13:15)
Deleted Scenes:
A total of four deleted scenes all worth watching (3:56)
RATING BREAK DOWN:
| FILM REVIEW |
 |
|
VIDEO |
|
|
AUDIO |
|
| BONUS
FEATURES |
 |
Submit Your Movie Review
MORE MOVIE REVIEWS
>>>
