Genres: Drama, History, War
Release Date: April 25, 2014

Director: Mark Schmidt
Main Cast:

• Jonas Armstrong as Elek Cohen
• Ben Kingsley as Szálasi
• Hélène de Fougerolles as Hannah
• Simon Callow as Father
• James Frain as Captain Dobos

Plot Summary

Set during the harrowing days of World War II, Walking with the Enemy (2014) tells the poignant and brave story of Elek Cohen (played by Jonas Armstrong), a Hungarian Jewish man who becomes a symbol of resistance and resilience during one of the darkest periods in history. As the Nazi occupation spreads through Hungary, Elek finds himself torn between his desire to protect his loved ones and his duty to fight back against the tyranny that has overtaken his homeland.

The film is based on real events and portrays the struggles of Elek, who is separated from his family and forced to live in hiding. However, his courage and intelligence lead him to infiltrate the enemy lines as a Nazi soldier, using the uniform of a fascist officer to gather vital information and help save thousands of Jewish lives. Through his dangerous undercover operations, Elek becomes a part of a growing underground resistance movement that fights against the regime, risking everything for the sake of freedom and survival.

As the war intensifies, Elek’s journey takes him to the front lines of history, where his actions, and those of his allies, challenge the brutal Nazi regime in an inspiring fight for justice.

Trailer Highlights

The official trailer for Walking with the Enemy captures several key moments that emphasize the courage and determination of those fighting back against Nazi oppression:

• Elek’s Transformation: The film showcases Elek’s courageous decision to take on the persona of a Nazi officer to infiltrate the enemy. This powerful moment highlights the incredible risks Elek takes in his efforts to fight back.
• The Struggle for Survival: Viewers are taken through a gripping sequence of scenes that illustrate the daily struggles of those living under Nazi occupation, showing the personal cost of survival and resistance.
• Tense Combat and Secret Operations: The trailer features high-stakes action scenes, where Elek and his fellow resistance fighters go behind enemy lines to sabotage Nazi efforts and protect innocent lives.
• Emotional Heartfelt Moments: At its core, the film is about the human spirit’s ability to endure in the face of unimaginable hardship. The trailer showcases the powerful relationships between Elek and his loved ones, adding a deep emotional layer to the war story.

Reception

Walking with the Enemy received generally favorable reviews for its historical accuracy and emotional depth. Critics praised the film’s compelling performances, especially that of Jonas Armstrong in the lead role of Elek, capturing the internal and external battles of a man forced to choose between survival and heroism. The film’s depiction of the Holocaust, while poignant, is balanced with a sense of hope, showcasing the resilience of the human spirit in times of war.

Ben Kingsley also delivered a memorable performance as the Hungarian fascist leader Szálasi, offering a chilling portrayal of the cruelty and corruption that defined the Nazi regime. The film’s exploration of lesser-known historical events during WWII shed light on the bravery of ordinary people who chose to stand against oppression, making it a moving tribute to their heroism.

Despite being a smaller production, the film stands as a stark reminder of the horrors of war and the sacrifices made by countless individuals in the fight for freedom. It brings to light a personal story that is both heartbreaking and inspiring, honoring the memory of those who lived through one of the darkest chapters of human history.

Legacy and Themes

Walking with the Enemy emphasizes themes of sacrifice, bravery, and the moral complexities faced by individuals in times of war. Elek Cohen’s story is a testament to the fact that even in the face of unspeakable evil, acts of resistance and heroism can shine through. It also serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of remembering the atrocities of the past, ensuring that the stories of those who fought against the tyranny of the Nazis are never forgotten.

As one of the many films that explore the atrocities of the Holocaust, Walking with the Enemy stands out for its personal perspective on a well-known historical period, giving viewers a unique look at the determination and courage required to survive—and fight back—during the most difficult times.