1990. The Berlin Wall had already collapsed, divided Germany was finally reunited – and then no one thought about the problems that would soon become another wall between the former FRG and the GDR. But the film is not about that - even if it has a strong political overtones.
It all starts in Paris. A man enters an antique shop owned by a Jew, Joseph Katz. It would seem - nothing special, an ordinary visitor - but no one could imagine what would follow. A fight ensues, a shot sounds... Justice has overtaken a former Nazi, or not? Sam Bellamy does not know the truth, he believes the man he loved as his own father, with whom he lived side by side for twenty years and allows him to escape. Just to get Katz to kill himself? If Sam only knew the consequences of his nobility, the Nazi killed by Katz turns out to be an ardent communist.
The investigation leads Sam to Berlin. The legacy of the socialist regime is still vividly felt in the eastern part, and the investigation is further confused. And as if evil rock is haunting Sam and Emma Guther. A man who knew Herr Güther is brutally murdered in his own home, Mossad is interested in them, and then it turns out that Güther himself was a Nazi during the war. Someone is playing an evil game - is it Israeli intelligence, or Katz, suddenly alive - is it fate itself? And all because of three pictures.
Director Alexander Arkadi, who loves to make films on burning topics, once again showed his highest class. Our viewer is not particularly known, except for the comedy with Belmondo “The Robbery”. It is a pity that not all directors can achieve such skill and tension. Long - more than two hours - "Under the name "K" captures from the beginning - and does not let go for a minute. Every time – like the first one – you already know all the plot twists, you know how it will end – and yet – here it is, the superclass of the French master.
And he knows who to invite to his films for the main roles. Sam was played by Patrick Bruel, who first appeared on the screen in Arkady’s debut film “Sirocco’s gust” and since then their cooperation has not stopped. I don’t know who would be able to play this not-so-easy role with the same inspiration – after Bruel, it’s very difficult to imagine another actor. Maybe someone will say that there was no need for a special game - let them try it themselves.
And until the end, it is not known how it will end – will justice never be done? And in the background, there are real historical events about Iraq's invasion of Kuwait - which in the final voiceovers take on a new meaning.
10 out of 10