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      Jakob the Liar

      1999, Comedy/Drama, 1h 54m

      72 Reviews 10,000+ Ratings

      What to know

      Critics Consensus

      Any real story is buried by awkward performances and contrived situations. Read critic reviews

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      Jakob the Liar  Photos

      A scene from the film "Jakob the Liar." A scene from the film "Jakob the Liar." A scene from the film "Jakob the Liar." A scene from the film "Jakob the Liar." A scene from the film "Jakob the Liar." A scene from the film "Jakob the Liar." A scene from the film "Jakob the Liar." A scene from the film "Jakob the Liar." A scene from the film "Jakob the Liar." A scene from the film "Jakob the Liar." Jakob the Liar (1999) Jakob the Liar (1999) Jakob the Liar (1999) Jakob the Liar (1999)

      Movie Info

      In 1944, Jewish shop owner Jakob (Robin Williams) overhears a radio broadcast on the movements of the Soviet army while he is shuttled to Nazi headquarters from the Warsaw, Poland, ghetto where he is imprisoned. Upon his return, he whispers what he's heard to his friend Mischa (Liev Schreiber), and before long the whole ghetto is alive with rumors and hope that the long war will soon end. Determined to keep up their spirits as best he can, Jakob continues to lie with the best of intentions.

      • Rating: PG-13

      • Genre: Comedy, Drama, War

      • Original Language: English

      • Director: Peter Kassovitz

      • Producer: Marsha Garces Williams

      • Writer: Peter Kassovitz, Jurek Becker, Didier Decoin

      • Release Date (Theaters):  original

      • Release Date (Streaming):

      • Box Office (Gross USA): $5.0M

      • Runtime:

      • Distributor: Sony Pictures Classics, TriStar Pictures, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Sony Pictures Television, Columbia Pictures

      • Production Co: TriStar Pictures

      • Sound Mix: Surround, SDDS

      • Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.85:1)

      Cast & Crew

      News & Interviews for Jakob the Liar

      Critic Reviews for Jakob the Liar

      Audience Reviews for Jakob the Liar

      • May 15, 2010

        I loved this movie. Robin Williams and Liev Schreiber were outstanding. This movie is set during WW2 in Warsaw where Nazis have taken control of a community of Jews. Jakob is one of the jews and somehow the word gets out that he owns a radio which according to Nazis is not allowed. Jakob tells his fellow citizens news that he claims that he has heard on the radio and this keeps the hopes up in the community, hopes that the war will soon have an end. This truly is a touching story and it is so well played by these talented actors.

        Super Reviewer
      • Jan 17, 2010

        I liked it. It was definately a different spin on the typical Holocaust movie. I liked the ending as well.

        Super Reviewer
      • May 04, 2009

        Unique and interesting. Definitely a differnt role for Robin. I love him and LIev though. It was a cute story. Maybe cute isnt the right word to use though. Im not really sure what to call it. It was alright though, nothing amazing, a little too long. But still. Its not a bad film.

        Super Reviewer
      • Mar 15, 2009

        I admire Robin Williams as an actor but I have no time for "holocaust" movies. To me they are nothing more than awards bait. I don't believe a single one has ever truly portrayed what actually went on, and a diet version of such events is criminal. This film tries to show the harshness but the tone is too light and nothing happens that you don't expect.

        Super Reviewer

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