Die Falscher (The Counterfeiters, Stefan Ruzowitzky, 2007): Austria / Germany

Stefan Ruzowitzk’s 2007 film “Die Falscher” has demonstrated a well balanced contrast between crime and causality. Portraying the 1940’s European holocaust in a manner other than mournful has rarely if ever been produced. Following the life of “Salomon Sorowitsch” (Karl Marcovics), the viewer gets an inside exposure to what has been recognized as the largest counterfeiting operation in history. The Film remains devout to portraying the counter fitting operation as the main subject instead of having too much emphasis on the holocaust and it’s significance to the narrative.

Salomon, a wealthy crime superior infamous for his ability to counterfeit nearly anything, is promoted through the prison ranks in order to assist the very party that is condemning he and hundreds of thousands of fellow Jews. This adds new levels of complication both for the subject as well as the main protagonist at hand. The film’s key theme appears to be instinct VS. ethics. As Salomon rises to safety while counter fitting British and American currency, he embarks on an internal struggle that adds both character development and story progression. Amongst an intimate group of fellow refugees, Salomon faces inner turmoil within the interest of himself and others; this seems to further indicate new elements to a story that would have otherwise been less emotional. The film proves to have multiple layers of intellectual form, allowing the viewer to intemperate characters and sequences as they see fit. Many of the lead roles can be portrayed in various ways, we see vulnerability in both Nazis and prisoners alike; the viewer also witness different forms of power between the captured and detainee.

With segments of pre-holocaust to post holocaust, The viewer receives a well balanced story as well as a thorough portrayal of Salomon and the others imprisoned with him. This film is a great story that provides wonderful cinematography, and a new insight into the unique undergoing of the Counterfeiters.