Watch Süskind

Süskind is a 2012 Dutch-German film directed by Rudolf van den Berg. The movie is based on the true story of Walter Süskind, who used his position in the Jewish Council in Amsterdam during World War II to save hundreds of Jewish children from being sent to concentration camps. Jeroen Spitzenberger stars as Walter Süskind, a Jewish man who works for the Jewish Council in Amsterdam. The council is responsible for implementing the Nazi's orders, including the deportation of Jews to concentration camps. Walter is initially hesitant about his job, but he quickly realizes that he can use his position to help save the lives of Jewish children.

Karl Markovics plays Ferdinand aus der Fünten, the Nazi SS officer in charge of the deportations. Ferdinand at first dismisses Walter as a cowardly Jew who will do anything to save his skin. However, he soon realizes that Walter is a useful asset in his operation, as he can convince other Jews to voluntarily give up their children for deportation.

As Walter works with Ferdinand to save the children, he faces many challenging decisions. He must carefully navigate the complex politics of the Jewish Council, where some members are willing to work with the Nazis to save themselves, while others want to resist at all costs. He also struggles with the morality of his actions, knowing that even if he is able to save a few children, he is still complicit in the systemic destruction of Jewish life.

Throughout the film, the tension builds as the Nazi deportation machine becomes more efficient and more ruthless. The stakes are high, and every decision that Walter makes could mean the difference between life and death for hundreds of children.

The film is anchored by the powerful performance of Jeroen Spitzenberger as Walter. He portrays the character as a complex and nuanced figure, never presenting him as a simple hero or martyr. Spitzenberger brilliantly captures the conflicting emotions of a man who is forced to make impossible choices in the face of great evil.

Karl Markovics is equally impressive as Ferdinand. His character serves as a chilling reminder of the human cost of Nazi ideology. Markovics imbues Ferdinand with a sense of bleak cynicism, conveying the idea that even those who participate in acts of evil are ultimately victims of a larger system.

Nyncke Beekhuyzen rounds out the cast as Walter's wife Freddy. Her character serves as a reminder of the human cost of the war, as we see how the stress and danger of Walter's work affects his family life.

Overall, Süskind is a powerful and affecting film that illuminates an often-overlooked aspect of World War II history. The film expertly navigates the complexities of its subject matter, presenting a nuanced and deeply human portrait of a man who struggled to survive in a world that had gone mad.

Süskind is a 2012 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 58 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9.