Black Book (2006)

Mesmerizing

This film chronicles the Dutch resistance against Nazi aggression in WWII following a Jewish protagonist named Rachel Stein/Ellis de Vries. The decisions Rachel/Ellis must make to maintain her cover in some extremely difficult situations will make some viewers uncomfortable, but I challenge those who view BLACK BOOK to ask themselves what they would have done?

This is not in the same vein as SAVING PRIVATE RYAN or PATTON-there are gunshots here and there, but the blood and guts in this film are the consenquences that come with Rachel/Ellis's actions (wonderfully portrayed by Carice van Houten). Strong performances by the supporting players as well (particularly Sebastian Koch who played the Nazi Muntze). A fantastic film, 4.5 stars! August 31, 2008

Stunning!

Don't be put off by sub titles - this is one of the best films I've ever seen July 21, 2008

A must see movie1

I don't want to give anytning away. The oher reviewers are saying too much about the plot, which is full of twists. A great movie, with an European sensibility, which would have never gotten made in Hollywood. At 140 minutes, there is not a dull moment. A great thriller, mystery and historical WWII movie, with no CGI baloney to ruin a perfectly acted movie. The actors carry the movie. The movie is in Dutch, German and a little English here and there, but the dialogue is never too complicated to where the subtitles are inadequate. If you want to see a great action/adventure film of the kind Hollywood can't seem to make anymore with out throwing special effects at it, this is a great, great movie. Please don't read the plot details (all ou need to know is that it is about the Duhc resistance against the Nazis), and let this move WOW you. July 21, 2008

A dutch movie missing something.....still, it's a pretty good movie

A movie about WWII.The movie is almost very well made.I'm not sure, but it's just a feeling that remains with you after you watched it. July 17, 2008

World War II story based on real facts... Don't miss it!!!

World War II movies never cease to capture our interest as they demonstrate the worst of man-kind and this movie is simply riveting. Black Book is about a woman forced to live the horror of seeing her entire family murdered and yet continue to struggle for life and survival in Nazi occupied Holland.

At the beginning of the film we see Rachel Stein, beautifully played by Carise Von Houten, our heroin, living with a gentile family on a farm. An allied force plane unloads its bombs to gain altitude and by mistake they destroy her refuge. This forces her to start a journey to The Hague, and she visits her family's attorney who disburses money and jewels that will help her survive for at least a year.

Unfortunately, a group of Jews she joins is part of a Nazi ambush, and she witnesses the death of her entire family as the Gestapo not only kills but then steals all the possessions of the victims. She does get the chance to see the face of the man in charge... something she shall never forget.

To cover her true identity she transforms into a blonde singer by the name of Ellis de Vries and infiltrates Gestapo headquarters as part of the resistance force.

The film has many cliffhangers and on a train ride, with the Gestapo requesting papers from all passengers, she shares the cabin with the head of the SS, Captain Müntze, superbly played by Sebastian Koch, and he soon falls for her lively beauty. Many spell binding situations unfold and we realize that there must be a traitor amongst the resistance because they are uncovered at every turn, but we never know the true identity of the traitor. The story is complex but a clear reminder of the danger of war. Don't miss this film; it is without a doubt... magnificent!

July 13, 2008

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