06. EUROPA, EUROPA (1990)
Like much of the fare featured on this list, this unlikely tale is in fact based upon the true story of an abandoned young Jewish boy, called Solomon Perel, who poses as a German orphan. Hailed as a war hero he eventually joins the Hitler Youth. The strength and spirit of Perel is proficiently captured by actor
Marcos Hoffschneider in his enthralling performance. Broaching the subject of how far people will go to stay alive, the film is gritty look at humanity, flaws and all. Combined with beautiful cinematography, the film is a very expressive look at the affect of the Holocaust on Germany. Whilst some may find Perels actions almost reprehensible (he arguably sells out to the Germans), he also displays the most extreme actions an adolescent can to fit in with the crowd: something all of us were undoubtedly guilty of doing at some point during our teenage years. To a certain extent viewers will undoubtedly have to suspend their disbelief at points, but essentially Europa Europa is a very moving tale that will certainly ring true for many viewers.