“It also is a true story of hope and is ultimately a hero's journey. For this reason, it had me cheering until the end.” IMDb
Al lado del enemigo (originally titled Walking with the Enemy ) is a 2013 historical action drama that delivers a gripping, if occasionally melodramatic , look at the Holocaust in Hungary. Directed by Mark Schmidt , the film is inspired by the incredible true story of Pinchas Tibor Rosenbaum , a young Jewish man who disguised himself as an SS officer to save thousands from deportation and death. The Plot: A Hero Behind Enemy Lines
: Critics have noted its high-polished look and excellent cinematography, though some find the PG-13 rating sanitizes the true horror of the events, making it feel less impactful than films like Schindler’s List . Community Voices
Set during the final months of World War II in Budapest, the story follows Elek Cohen (Jonas Armstrong), who is separated from his family during the German occupation. To find them and protect his community, he dons the uniform of the enemy, using the disguise to divert Jews from trains destined for death camps. Parallel to this, we see the political struggle of Regent Miklós Horthy (played by Ben Kingsley), who desperately tries to negotiate with both the Nazis and the Soviets to spare his country. Critical Breakdown
Al lado del enemigo is a interested in the lesser-known chapters of WWII. While it may occasionally stumble into melodrama, the raw power of the true story and Armstrong’s performance make it an engaging and meaningful survival thriller. Al lado del enemigo (2013) - IMDb
: Jonas Armstrong is widely praised for his passion and intensity , successfully portraying the terrifying tightrope walk of his character. Ben Kingsley provides a sad, nuanced portrayal of a leader trapped between two evils.
“I think the movie has its own potential... the acting is great just a little bit more german language should been showed whenever thet will talk to a nazi soldier thus making it more believable.” IMDb Final Verdict
According to viewers on IMDb, the film resonates deeply as a story of Jewish resistance:
