Reviews

Maybe the reason I keep hearing so many negative comments on this film is because people aren't seeing it for what it is. It is not a comedy by any stretch of the imagination. It is not an attempt to profit from LA VITA E BELLA (this was filmed in the autumn of '97, before the Benigni film was even released in Italy).

The truth is, JAKOB THE LIAR is an incredible film in its own right. I've read/seen many other Holocaust testimonials (including MAUS and the aforementioned LA VITA E BELLA), but this was by far the most stirring of any of them. I was especially impressed by Robin Williams' performance. Granted, I'm partial to him, but I was completely bowled over by this performance. I believe this is the darkest and most serious role he has ever done, but he pulls it off magnificently.

Don't believe the nay-sayers on this one ... this is incredible. It's a must-see for everyone. Would I lie to you?

This has to be the best film that Robin Williams has ever made. He was funny, touching, and entertaining ... all without getting preachy, which wouldn't be hard in this sort of film. The audience was laughing 70% of the time, crying the rest of the time, and even burst into applause five times during the film. This is one movie you can't miss!

I finally figured out why everyone calls this film sappy ... no one jumps into bed! Imagine that, a clean romance! This film wasn't entirely, unconditionally perfect, but it was so amazing, both in plot and scenery, that any little faults don't matter. It was a thinking person's movie, and a romantic's movie. So if you don't like to think at movies, you probably won't like it. But for those of us who like movies that make you think ... this is one of the best I've ever seen.