In the Jewish ghetto in an unnamed Polish city in the winter of 1944, Jakob, (Robin Williams), a widowed former cafe owner, is caught out after curfew and, at the German HQ, accidentally hears a radio report that the Russian army is advancing. When he confidentially conveys this information to headstrong young Mischa,( Liev Schreiber), a former boxer, the news spreads around the ghetto that Jakob has a radio hidden away somewhere - and that`s punishable by death. Jakob is forced to continue lying.
Peter Kassovitz` film is the second screen version of the 1969 novel by Jurek Becker, who grew up in the ghetto in Lodz - the ironic black comedy was previously filmed as an East German production in 1975 by Frank Beyer, and won the Silver Bear at Berlin that year - interestingly, actor Armin Muller-Stahl appears in both films. The new film, shot two years ago but delayed because of its accidental similarity to Life Is Beautiful, is in many ways excellent: Luciana Arrighi`s production design vividly conveys the squalor of the ghetto, and a strong cast of fine actors give sterling performances in supporting roles. The problem is Robin Williams: he tries hard to surpress his usual \"you-have-to-like-me\" persona, but in the end doesn`t manage it - his personality is just too strong, and as a result his Jakob never really convinces. Still there`s a lot to admire in this film.
