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Jakob the Liar (1999) 6.2
Ratings:
6.2/10 from 8,813 users
Metascore: 40/100
Reviews: 82 user | 70 critic | 25 from Metacritic.com In 1944 Poland, a Jewish shop keeper named Jakob is summoned to ghetto headquarters after being caught out near curfew. While waiting for the German Kommondant, Jakob overhears a German ... See full summary » Director:Peter Kassovitz |
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Cast
| Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
| Robin Williams | ... | ||
| Hannah Taylor Gordon | ... | ||
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Éva Igó | ... |
Lina's Mother
(as Eva Igo)
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István Bálint | ... |
Lina's Father
(as Istvan Balint)
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Justus von Dohnányi | ... |
Preuss
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| Kathleen Gati | ... |
Hooker
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| Bob Balaban | ... | ||
| Alan Arkin | ... | ||
| Michael Jeter | ... |
Avron
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| Mark Margolis | ... |
Fajngold
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János Gosztonyi | ... |
Samuel
(as Janos Gosztonyi)
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| Liev Schreiber | ... | ||
| Armin Mueller-Stahl | ... | ||
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Ádám Rajhona | ... |
The Whistler
(as Adam Rajhona)
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Antal Leisen | ... |
Peg-Leg
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Plot Summary
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Add Synopsis
Storyline
In 1944 Poland, a Jewish shop keeper named Jakob is summoned to ghetto headquarters after being caught out near curfew. While waiting for the German Kommondant, Jakob overhears a German radio broadcast about Russian troop movements. Returned to the ghetto, the shopkeeper shares his information with a friend and then rumors fly that there is a secret radio within the ghetto. Jakob uses the chance to spread hope throughout the ghetto by continuing to tell favorable tales of information from "his secret radio." Jakob, however, has a real secret in that he is hiding a young Jewish girl who escaped from a camp transport train. A rather uplifting and slightly humorous film about World War II Jewish Ghetto life. Written by Anthony Hughes <husnock31@hotmail.com>
Taglines:
He will make you believe. See more »Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)
Rated PG-13 for violence and disturbing images | See all certifications »Parents Guide:
View content advisory »
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Details
Language:
EnglishRelease Date:
24 September 1999 (USA) See more »Also Known As:
Una señal de esperanza See more »Box Office
Budget:
$15,000,000 (estimated)Opening Weekend:
$2,056,647 (USA) (24 September 1999)Gross:
$4,956,401 (USA) (29 October 1999)Company Credits
Show detailed
company contact information
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IMDbPro »
Technical Specs
Runtime:
Color:
Color (Rankcolor)
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Jakob Heym: Hitler goes to a fortune-teller and asks, "When will I die?" And the fortune-teller replies, "On a Jewish holiday." Hitler then asks, "How do you know that?" And she replies, "Any day you die will be a Jewish holiday."
See more »
Written by Lew Brown, Wladimir A. Timm (as Wladimir Timm), Jaromir Vejvoda & Vasek Zeman
Performed by The Andrews Sisters
Courtesy of MCA Records
By Arrangement with Universal Music Special Markets
See more »
Did You Know?
Trivia
Armin Mueller-Stahl, who plays Dr. Kirschbaum (the Professor) was also in Jacob the Liar (upon which the 1999 film is based) as Roman Stahm, the brother of the character who was shot. See more »Goofs
The German officer referred to as "Herr General" wears the insignia of an SS-Colonel. See more »Quotes
[first lines]Jakob Heym: Hitler goes to a fortune-teller and asks, "When will I die?" And the fortune-teller replies, "On a Jewish holiday." Hitler then asks, "How do you know that?" And she replies, "Any day you die will be a Jewish holiday."
See more »
Crazy Credits
Special thanks to the city and peoples of Piotrków, Poland, the city and peoples of Lódz, Poland and the city and peoples of Budapest, Hungary. See more »Soundtracks
"Beer Barrel Polka (Roll Out The Barrel)"Written by Lew Brown, Wladimir A. Timm (as Wladimir Timm), Jaromir Vejvoda & Vasek Zeman
Performed by The Andrews Sisters
Courtesy of MCA Records
By Arrangement with Universal Music Special Markets
See more »
If you are interested in the holocaust, and want to be entertained at the same time, Jakob the Liar is your film. This is not intended to be an historical film. And, to be sure, it isn't.
Just speaking for myself, I wish everyone would educate themselves about this horrible episode in human history. If you have a friend who refuses to watch honest historical films, turn them on to Jakob the Liar. It IS Robin Williams, after all. For sure, this film will encourage them to learn more about the holocaust. Its very entertaining and does give some superficial insight into what the atrocity was all about.
Robin Williams did his best. He did a fine job in this film, and deserves even more credit just for making the attempt. On a scale of 1 to 10, I'd give it an 8.