The film THE COUNTERFEITERS should be more appropriately titled in the singular for it is based on the true story and centered on Salomon Sorowitsch (Karl Markovics) who aided the Germans flood Europe with over 130 million false pound sterling during the end of World War II.  Captured by the Germans in 1944, Salomon worked with other prisoners in a concentration camp at Sachsenhausen.  Amidst brutality, inhuman working and living conditions, Salomon and his workers debate whether their miserly lives are worth the effort of aiding the Nazi regime.

Director Ruzowitzky’s film has an authentic feel throughout, probably for the reason that he has followed the book by Adolf Burger (called the Devil’s Workshop) on which it is based closely.  Adolf Burger (August Dielhl) has a crucial role in the film – a fighter that challenges Salomon’s efforts.  He sees no reason for helping the Germans as his family was imprisoned for distributing anti-Nazi flyers.  The Germans are portrayed as brutal animals but for the reason (though not all may agree to) that they are forced to obey orders from above.  One flaw is that not one is shown to be sympathetic.  But the film’s best line has the Nazi-in-charge, Sturmbannführer Friedrich Herzog (Devid Dtiesow) tell Salomon that he never hits his children and wishes them to be future respected citizens.  The Jews in the camp, on the other hand, are more affecting souls who act differently depending on their circumstance, morals or ethics.

The theme of the film is reminiscent of David Lean’s BRIDGE ON THE RIVER KWAI (in my opinion the best war movie ever made) where a proud Alec Guinness helps the Japanese build a bridge believing that he showing the enemy the triumph of the British spirit.  But here, the situation is more direct.  The counterfeiters either help the Nazis or die. 

The atmosphere of the Sachsenhausen concentration camp, music (uplifted once with the prisoners’ rendition of ‘Down by the Riverside’) and dull colours create an effective somber mood.  Actor Markovics broods convincingly. 

Director Ruzowitzky has made some intriguing themed movies like ANATOMIE (horror) and ALL THE QUEEN’S MEN (war is a drag).  With this Oscar winner for best foreign film, he will probably gain the recognition he deserves.  THE COUNTERFEITERS is a compelling film, violent at times but it balances well the elements of entertainment, social conscience and human behavior.