Jakob the Liar

December 10, 2004

Rated: PG-13 Runtime: 101 min Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

I went into this movie not really knowing what it was about. I had gathered little info before I went in simply because Robin Williams would be starring in this flick. It was not disappointing in any way to watch Robin, although, it was a sad story line. The supporting cast is very strong as well, and I especially enjoyed Alan Arkin.

Basically, Jakob (Williams) is a former cafe owner who’s country of Poland, has been over taken by the Nazi’s. He and his friends are now living in a ghetto with little to no food at all and filthy surroundings. He hears a radio broadcast which is strictly forbidden (I’ll skip telling you why as to save some story and surprise for you) and word quickly spreads that he is hiding a radio himself to which he is not. That is where the lie comes in, he doesn’t have a radio but he continues on with stories everyday to keep spirits up among the inhabitants. This news brings hope that the war will be over soon and gives people something to smile about and look forward to in this terrible time of their lives.

A side story in this film is that he befriends a small 10 year old child and hides her in his attic. She is in hiding to escape the Nazi death camps.

There is no reason for you to go to see this film in the theater. It can wait for rental as there are no special effects or extras that you would miss seeing it at home. Besides, you have Kleenex at home to wipe your tears for these people’s horrid situation. If you saw the movie The Hiding Place you already have an idea of what this movie could be like, but it is less graphic and tries to bring in humor to lighten things up.

Posted by Biff Mercer | Filed Under 3 Stars, Alan Arkin, Armin, Bob Balaban, Drama, Michael Jeter, PG-13, Robin Williams, Theatrical