Jakob the Liar

Synopsis

Set during World War II, 'Jakob the Liar' follows the story of Jakob Heym, a Jewish cafe owner living in a Jewish ghetto in Nazi-occupied Poland. Despite the dire circumstances, Jakob inadvertently spreads hope among his fellow prisoners by sharing fictitious news updates about the war from a hidden radio. As his tales grow, they have a profound impact on the morale and spirit of the ghetto's inhabitants. However, maintaining the facade comes with risks, leading to a series of unexpected events that challenge Jakob's resolve and the trust of those around him. The film explores themes of hope, resilience, and the power of storytelling amidst adversity.

Cast

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  Robin Williams

  Jakob Heym

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  Liev Schreiber

  Mischa

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  Hannah Taylor-Gordon

  Lina Kronstein

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  Alan Arkin

  Max Frankfurter

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  Michael Jeter

  Avron

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  Bob Balaban

  Kowalsky

Reviews

Critics were divided on 'Jakob the Liar.' While some praised Robin Williams' poignant performance as Jakob Heym, others found the film's depiction of the Holocaust and its mix of drama and comedy tonally inconsistent. Rotten Tomatoes' consensus states, 'While well-intentioned and boasting a talented cast, 'Jakob the Liar' fails to find a consistent tone, resulting in a muddled execution.' On Metacritic, the film holds a score of 40 out of 100, indicating mixed or average reviews. However, some viewers appreciated the film for its portrayal of hope and humanity in the face of despair. IMDb users rated 'Jakob the Liar' 6.5 out of 10, citing Williams' performance and the film's emotional impact as highlights.