Watch My Best Enemy

My Best Enemy is a gripping historical drama that was released in 2011. It stars Moritz Bleibtreu as Victor Kaufmann, Georg Friedrich as Rudi Eschner, and Ursula Strauss as Lena Grabowski. The film is set in Austria during World War II and follows the story of Victor and Rudi who are childhood friends. Victor comes from a wealthy Jewish family, while Rudi comes from a poor Austrian family. Despite their different backgrounds, the two boys were very close and spent many happy times together. However, as they grow older and Austria becomes increasingly anti-Semitic, their friendship is put to the test.

When the Nazis take control of Austria, Victor's family is forced to flee the country. However, before they leave, they entrust their valuable collection of paintings to Rudi's family for safekeeping. Rudi, who is now working for the Nazis, seizes this opportunity to steal the paintings for himself.

Years later, Victor has become an officer in the US Army and is part of the Allied forces that have entered Austria. He comes across Rudi, who is now a high-ranking SS officer, and the two men are thrown into a dangerous game of cat and mouse.

As they try to outmaneuver each other, each man is forced to confront the past and their own personal demons. In doing so, they must also confront the larger issue of guilt and responsibility in a time of war. At its core, My Best Enemy is a story about the human cost of war and the power of forgiveness.

The film is beautifully shot and features stunning landscapes of Austria. The cinematography captures the emotional weight of the story with great sensitivity. The acting is also superb, with both Bleibtreu and Friedrich delivering powerful performances.

One of the film's strengths is its exploration of the complexities of human relationships. The relationship between Victor and Rudi is deeply layered, and the filmmakers do an excellent job of showing the different facets of it. They are both products of their upbringing and circumstances, and there is a sense of tragedy in the way their friendship has been twisted by the events of history.

The film also explores the themes of identity and belonging. Victor's Jewish identity is a key aspect of his character, and the film delves into his struggle to reconcile his identity with the events that are unfolding around him. Rudi's character, on the other hand, is a metaphor for the larger issue of Austrian identity. As a poor Austrian, he resents the wealthy Jewish families who have dominated Austrian culture for generations.

My Best Enemy is not just a film about World War II; it is a film about the lasting impact of history on human relationships. The film's final act is particularly powerful, as it shows the characters grappling with their past actions and their hope for redemption.

Overall, My Best Enemy is a beautifully crafted film that explores complex themes with great sensitivity. The performances, cinematography, and direction come together to create a deeply moving and thought-provoking experience. If you are a fan of historical dramas that tackle weighty issues, then this is a film that should not be missed.

My Best Enemy is a 2011 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 49 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7 and a MetaScore of 43.