Europa Europa
Europa Europa

Europa Europa

1990Movie112 minGerman

A Jewish boy separated from his family in the early days of WWII poses as a German orphan and is taken into the heart of the Nazi world as a 'war hero' and eventually becomes a Hitler Youth.

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IMDb7.4/10
Rotten Tomatoes95%
Metacritic85/100
Google Users88%
Director: Agnieszka HollandGenres: Biography, Drama, War, Comedy

Plot Summary

A young Jewish boy, Solomon Perel, must navigate the treacherous landscape of Nazi Germany and occupied Europe during World War II. To survive, he adopts a new identity as an Aryan German, joining the Hitler Youth and even serving the Nazi regime while desperately trying to conceal his true heritage. The film follows his remarkable journey of deception, survival, and self-discovery amidst constant peril.

Critical Reception

Europa Europa was widely acclaimed by critics for its daring and often darkly humorous portrayal of a survivor's experience. The film was praised for its complex handling of difficult themes, its powerful performances, and its ability to find moments of levity in the midst of profound tragedy. It resonated with audiences for its compelling story of resilience and the human will to survive.

What Reviewers Say

  • A daring and darkly comedic exploration of survival during the Holocaust.
  • Praised for its complex themes and powerful performances.
  • Resonates with its compelling story of resilience and the human will to survive.

Google audience: Viewers found the film to be a powerful and unforgettable story of survival, with many commending its unique blend of humor and drama in depicting the horrors of the era. Some noted the incredible performance of the lead actor and the film's thought-provoking portrayal of identity.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay, Golden Globe Award for Best Foreign Language Film, and won multiple awards at the César Awards and Bavarian Film Awards.

Fun Fact

The real Solomon Perel, whose life story the film is based on, actually lived in Moscow for many years after the war and was a celebrated journalist and writer before returning to Germany.

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