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Walking with the Enemy (2014) movie poster

Characters & Themes

Walking with the Enemy (2014) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

Release, runtime and language
2014 · 124 min · English
Directed by
Mark Schmidt
Starring
Ben Kingsley, Simon Dutton, Simon Kunz, Hannah Tointon, Jonas Armstrong

During World War II, a brave young man undertakes a perilous mission, disguising himself as a Nazi officer to infiltrate enemy territory. He risks his life to protect his family and countless others from the atrocities of the Holocaust. The story also explores the difficult decisions faced by Hungary’s leader as he struggles to maintain his nation’s integrity and compassion amidst the escalating conflict.

On this page (8)
  1. 1 Where to watch
  2. 2 Characters explained (5)
  3. 3 Where & when it takes place
  4. 4 Themes & meaning (3)
  5. 5 Character & meaning questions
  6. 6 Movie threads
  7. 7 Movies like Walking with the Enemy
  8. 8 Every angle

Where to watch

Where to Watch Walking with the Enemy (2014)

Where can you watch Walking with the Enemy? Stream, rent or buy it in the US, including on Fawesome, Tubi TV and Apple TV Store: current JustWatch availability with up-to-date prices.

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5 main characters · contains spoilers

Walking with the Enemy Characters Explained: Who Is Who

The main characters of Walking with the Enemy (2014), heroes and villains: what drives them, how they change over the course of the story and what each of them reveals about the film's bigger ideas.

  • József

    played by Ben Kingsley

    József, a resilient Jewish radio repair shop owner, emerges as a pivotal figure in the narrative, embodying the struggle for hope during the oppressive German occupation. (Ben Kingsley) His character is characterized by deep compassion and an unwavering sense of responsibility towards his employees, showcasing his commitment to their safety amid escalating danger. Through his courageous actions, József becomes a beacon of hope and determination.

    • 💪 Leader
    • ❤️ Protector
  • Elek Cohen

    played by Jonas Armstrong

    Elek Cohen, portrayed by Jonas Armstrong, is a dynamic and brave individual whose journey reflects the themes of sacrifice and resilience. His transformation from a young man threatened by Nazi persecution to a figure of hope shines through his daring attempts to save others. Elek's character showcases unwavering loyalty as he devises courageous plans to protect himself and the vulnerable around him.

    • 🚀 Brave
    • 💕 Loyal
  • Ferenc Jacobson

    played by Simon Kunz

    Ferenc Jacobson, played by Simon Kunz, is a steadfast ally and friend to Elek, possessing a strong sense of justice and duty. His bravery is showcased through the lengths he goes to protect his community, often standing by Elek in their dangerous endeavors. Ferenc's character illustrates themes of camaraderie and selflessness, highlighting the strength found in solidarity during harrowing times.

    • 🎖️ Supportive
    • ⚔️ Courageous
  • Hannah

    Hannah is a young Jewish woman whose character becomes intertwined with Elek’s life, representing the enduring human spirit and hope amidst despair. As she faces the threats of the regime, her presence serves as a vital reminder of the personal stakes involved in the broader conflict. Hannah’s courage and resilience exemplify the profound connections formed in times of turmoil.

    • 🌸 Hopeful
    • 🕊️ Resilient
  • Carl Lutz

    Carl Lutz is portrayed as a determined and compassionate figure working at the Swiss diplomatic office, playing a crucial role in the rescue of Hungarian Jews. His decision to issue thousands of Swiss passports reflects his moral courage and commitment to humanitarian efforts, showcasing the impact that one person can have in the face of systemic injustice.

    • 🛡️ Humanitarian
    • 📜 Diplomat

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:04

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Setting

Where and When Does Walking with the Enemy Take Place?

The setting of Walking with the Enemy (2014): the year and time period, the places and locations, and how they shape the characters, the mood and the tension of the story.

Time period

1944, 1958

The movie primarily unfolds against the harrowing backdrop of 1944, a time characterized by the horrors of World War II and the Nazi regime's brutal oppression of Jewish communities. In sharp contrast, 1958 signifies a period of reflection and resilience as the story shifts to New York City, illustrating the trajectory of survivors as they navigate life after the war, celebrating new beginnings amid the scars of their past.

Location

Budapest, New York City

Budapest, during the dark days of World War II, becomes a backdrop of turmoil and courage, as the German occupation intensifies. This city, known for its rich history and beautiful architecture, witnesses both the suffering of its Jewish population and the bravery of those fighting for their survival. Meanwhile, New York City emerges as a symbol of hope and new beginnings, marking the transformation of lives shaped by the war's tragedies.

  • 🏙️ City
  • 🌍 Historical

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:04

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3 major themes

Walking with the Enemy Meaning: Themes & Message Explained

What is Walking with the Enemy (2014) really about? The emotional, social and philosophical themes the film keeps returning to, its symbolism and the message beneath the surface.

  • Resilience

    The theme of resilience resonates powerfully throughout the narrative, showcasing the indomitable human spirit in the face of unspeakable adversity. Characters like Elek and Ferenc epitomize bravery as they undertake formidable risks to save lives, revealing the extraordinary strength that emerges in times of crisis. This theme culminates in the film’s conclusion, paying tribute to those who persevered through the darkest hours of history.

  • Justice

    Justice, both moral and social, threads through the film as characters confront the brutal realities of war and the persecution of the Jewish people. The audacious acts of Elek and Ferenc to save their fellow Jews signify a fight not just for survival, but for dignity and honor in a world stripped of humanity. Their defiance against the Nazis encapsulates the broader struggle for justice during an era marked by oppression.

  • Sacrifice

    Sacrifice stands as a poignant theme amid the backdrop of war, as characters make difficult choices for the sake of their loved ones and their community. The film intricately weaves personal sacrifices with broader narratives of bravery, exemplified by Elek’s commitment to protecting Hannah and the Jewish families. These sacrifices highlight love's powerful role, driving individuals to act nobly even when faced with perilous consequences.

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:04

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Character & theme questions

Walking with the Enemy Characters & Meaning: Your Questions Answered

The questions people ask about Walking with the Enemy (2014): who the characters really are, their relationships, what the symbols mean, where it takes place and what the movie is really about. Each answer contains spoilers.

Q1

Where is Walking with the Enemy set?

The movie is primarily set in Budapest, Hungary, during World War II. The city serves as the main backdrop for the story's dangerous events under Nazi occupation. A secondary setting is New York City in 1958, which shows the aftermath and new beginnings for survivors.

  • budapest
  • hungary
  • wwii
  • nazi occupation
  • setting
Q2

What time period does Walking with the Enemy take place in?

The main story unfolds in 1944 during the height of World War II and the Nazi occupation of Hungary. The narrative then jumps to 1958 in New York City, showing survivors rebuilding their lives years after the war's end.

  • 1944
  • 1958
  • world war 2
  • wwii
  • historical period
Q3

What are the main themes in Walking with the Enemy?

The film explores three major themes: resilience, as characters demonstrate extraordinary strength in facing adversity; justice, as characters fight against Nazi persecution and for human dignity; and sacrifice, as individuals risk their lives to save others. These themes culminate in a tribute to those who persevered through the Holocaust.

  • resilience
  • justice
  • sacrifice
  • themes
  • holocaust
Q4

Who is Elek Cohen in Walking with the Enemy?

Elek Cohen is the protagonist, a young Jewish man portrayed by Jonas Armstrong. He disguises himself as a Nazi officer to infiltrate enemy territory and save Jewish families, including his own. His journey exemplifies the themes of sacrifice, bravery, and resilience throughout the war.

  • elek cohen
  • jonas armstrong
  • protagonist
  • jewish hero
Q5

Who plays József in Walking with the Enemy?

József is played by Ben Kingsley. He is a Jewish radio repair shop owner who becomes a pivotal figure in the narrative, showing deep compassion and responsibility toward his employees during the German occupation. His character represents hope and determination in dire circumstances.

  • jozsef
  • ben kingsley
  • radio shop
  • jewish character
Q6

What is Carl Lutz's role in Walking with the Enemy?

Carl Lutz works at the Swiss diplomatic office in Budapest during the war. He issues thousands of Swiss passports to Hungarian Jews, undertaking significant personal risk to save them from deportation. His character represents moral courage and the impact one person can have against systemic injustice.

  • carl lutz
  • swiss diplomat
  • passports
  • rescue
  • holocaust
Q7

Who is Ferenc Jacobson in Walking with the Enemy?

Ferenc Jacobson, played by Simon Kunz, is a steadfast ally and friend to Elek Cohen. He possesses a strong sense of justice and bravery, standing by Elek in dangerous missions to protect their community. His character illustrates themes of camaraderie and solidarity during the war.

  • ferenc jacobson
  • simon kunz
  • supporting character
  • ally
Q8

Who is Hannah in Walking with the Enemy?

Hannah is a young Jewish woman whose fate becomes intertwined with Elek's. She represents the enduring human spirit and hope amidst despair. Her character highlights the personal stakes of the war and the profound connections formed during times of turmoil.

  • hannah
  • jewish woman
  • elek relationship
  • love interest
Q9

How does the movie depict Budapest during WWII?

Budapest is shown as a city of contrasts, once known for its rich history and beautiful architecture, it becomes a backdrop of turmoil and suffering under German occupation. The film depicts both the harsh realities faced by the Jewish population and the bravery of those fighting for survival.

  • budapest architecture
  • occupation
  • jewish suffering
  • wwii hungary
Q10

What is the significance of the 1958 New York City setting?

The 1958 New York City setting represents a shift to reflection and resilience, showing survivors navigating life after the war. It symbolizes hope and new beginnings amid the scars of the past. The ending features a joyful family wedding in this setting, contrasting with the earlier tragedies.

  • new york
  • 1958
  • aftermath
  • survivors
  • new beginnings
Q11

How is justice explored as a theme in Walking with the Enemy?

The theme of justice runs through the film as characters confront the brutal realities of war and Jewish persecution. Elek and Ferenc's daring rescue missions represent a fight for dignity and honor. Their defiance against the Nazis encapsulates the broader struggle for justice during an era of widespread oppression.

  • moral justice
  • nazi oppression
  • dignity
  • defiance
  • fight for justice
Q12

How does sacrifice feature in Walking with the Enemy?

Sacrifice is a central theme as characters make difficult choices for their loved ones and community. Elek's commitment to protecting Hannah and Jewish families demonstrates how love drives people to act nobly, even at great personal risk. The film weaves personal sacrifices with broader narratives of wartime bravery.

  • sacrifice
  • family
  • love
  • bravery
  • wartime choices

Movie threads

More Movies Like Walking with the Enemy, by Mood & Story

Curated lists built around what makes Walking with the Enemy tick: the same mood, the same kind of story or the same emotional payoff. Each list explains why these movies belong together.

Movies with undercover survival like Walking with the Enemy

Thrilling true stories of ordinary people adopting dangerous disguises to survive. If you were captivated by the high-stakes disguise in Walking with the Enemy, you'll find similar tension in these films. This selection features true stories and historical dramas where characters must infiltrate enemy ranks, often during war, risking everything in a world of constant suspicion and imminent danger.

  • tense
  • suspenseful
  • gripping
  • urgent
  • courageous
  • claustrophobic
  • Tone: tense, urgent, grim
  • Pacing: steady, relentless
Why these movies?

The story pattern: These narratives follow a protagonist who must shed their identity to assume a new, perilous one. The plot is driven by a series of close calls, escalating risks, and the immense pressure of deception. The journey is a psychological tightrope walk, focused on survival against a powerful, oppressive force.

Why they belong together: They are grouped by their shared focus on the intense, suspenseful experience of an undercover mission. The mood is consistently tense and urgent, with a high-intensity pacing that keeps viewers on edge, united by themes of identity, deception, and courage in the face of tyranny.

Movies about wartime resilience like Walking with the Enemy

Stories where hope and humanity persist amidst the overwhelming tragedy of war. For viewers who appreciated the blend of heavy historical drama and hopeful defiance in Walking with the Enemy, this thread collects similar films. These stories explore the Holocaust and other conflicts, highlighting moral courage and the painful, yet hopeful, fight for survival against overwhelming oppression.

  • sad
  • hopeful
  • gripping
  • courageous
  • oppressive
  • grim
  • Tone: bittersweet, heavy, hopeful
  • Pacing: steady, deliberate
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narrative pattern involves characters navigating a landscape of systemic violence and moral compromise. The central conflict is as much internal—struggling to maintain one's humanity—as it is external. The arc culminates in a mix of personal victory and profound collective loss, leaving a lasting emotional impact.

Why they belong together: They share a heavy emotional weight and a bittersweet tone, masterfully blending grim historical settings with courageous, hopeful actions. The pacing is steady, allowing the gravity of the events to sink in, while the focus on moral courage and defiance creates a powerfully cohesive viewing experience.

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Every angle

Walking with the Enemy (2014) Explained: Plot, Timeline & Characters

Everything about Walking with the Enemy in one place: what happens in the plot summary, the timeline in chronological order, the characters and meaning and a spoiler-free summary. What's After the Movie adds the cast, box office and post-credit scenes.

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