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Walking with the Enemy

Name: Walking with the Enemy
Director: Mark Schmidt
Released: 2014
Duration: 124 min

Representation Score

3.9/10

Limited

2014

PG-13

Director

Mark Schmidt

Runtime

124 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Walking with the Enemy is a conventional historical survival drama that centers on the struggle of the Jewish community in WWII-era Hungary. It effectively highlights the persecution of an ethnic minority under Nazi occupation, providing a clear look at systemic oppression. However, the film relies heavily on traditional storytelling frameworks. The narrative follows a standard hero's journey led by a male protagonist, which limits the subversion of gender hierarchies and lacks depth in representing multiple aspects of identity. Ultimately, while the film addresses significant historical tragedies, it does so through a narrow lens of individual heroism, missing opportunities to explore diverse identities or more complex social critiques.

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Category Breakdown

Does Walking with the Enemy have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film focuses on a heterosexual relationship between Elek and his assistant, lacking any queer narratives or non-cisgender identities. It adheres to traditional wartime romantic clichés.

How does Walking with the Enemy portray gender?

Fair

The male protagonist, Elek, drives the mission and plays a significant role in driving the story. A woman provides crucial support, but her role remains secondary to the plot.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Walking with the Enemy?

Fair

The story centers on the Jewish community's struggle against Nazi occupation in Hungary. It follows a standard hero's journey depicting an ethnic minority fighting against an oppressive force.

How does Walking with the Enemy represent religion and culture?

Good

The narrative critiques totalitarianism and the oppressive nature of the Nazi regime. It focuses on individual survival against authoritarian structures, rather than broader secular or anti-capitalist critiques.

Does Walking with the Enemy include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no evidence of the portrayal of physical, sensory, or neurodivergent disabilities within the film's narrative.

Present on Screen

Provides a focused look at the Jewish experience and ethnic persecution during the Holocaust.
Offers a clear critique of totalitarianism and the oppressive nature of the Nazi regime.

Limited or Absent

Lacks representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-cisgender gender narratives.
Gender ability to act is heavily skewed toward the male lead, leaving female characters in supportive roles.
Does not explore neurodivergent or physical disability representation.

Official Synopsis

Regent Horthy is the leader of Hungary and a German ally, but his favorable standing with Hitler changes as the war comes to an end. Forced to cede Hungary’s power or else witness the execution of his son, Regent Horthy gives up control of his country to the Nazis, who quickly move Hungarians to ghettos and death camps, with no hope in sight. But the despair changes when a young man named Elek emerges. Separated from his family during the relocations and aided by the woman he loves , Elek defies the enemy by becoming one of them. In a race against time, disguised as a Nazi Officer he embarks on a mission to save his family and thousands of his countrymen.

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