Jakob the Liar (1999) Subtitles

Robin Williams, Liev Schreiber, Nina Siemaszko, Alan Arkin

Set in 1944 in a Jewish ghetto in Nazi-occupied Poland, 'Jakob the Liar' follows the story of Jakob Heym, a cafe owner who inadvertently becomes a beacon of hope and inspiration for his fellow Jews. Living in constant fear and despair, the residents of the ghetto are facing the brutality and oppression of the Nazi regime. Jakob, however, stumbles upon a secret radio that allows him to eavesdrop on forbidden news broadcasts. With this newfound knowledge, Jakob decides to create a fictional radio broadcast in order to lift the spirits of the community and provide them with hope and optimism. He starts inventing stories about the advancing Russian army and the imminent defeat of the Nazis, giving the people a sense of belief in a better future. As Jakob's stories gain popularity and hope spreads throughout the ghetto, the residents start to find the strength to endure their dire circumstances. However, as the rumors of Jakob's radio broadcast reach the Nazi authorities, the pressure and danger to maintain the facade of the imaginary radio station intensify. Jakob must navigate the delicate balance between maintaining the facade and protecting his fellow Jews, all while grappling with the moral implications of spreading false hope. The film explores the themes of resilience, the power of hope, and the human spirit's ability to find light in the darkest of times. As the story unfolds, Jakob's courage and altruism inspire those around him to hold onto their humanity and persevere in the face of overwhelming adversity.