Der Soldat von Oranien (1977)

Der Soldat von Oranien: Directed by Paul Verhoeven. With Rutger Hauer, Jeroen Krabbé, Susan Penhaligon, Edward Fox. During World War II, Dutch students join the resistance movement against the German occupation of The Netherlands.

“This film hit a grand slam by successfully achieving all of the things I hope for in a movie: it entertained me, it educated me, it charmed me, and it provoked me. I have lived in the Netherlands and love the Dutch people, so I was happy to view this film and see many familiar sites and understand some of the Dutch dialogue. It provided me with a sense of deja vu. I also learned things about the Dutch World War II experience that I previously was unaware of. The vast majority of the world only has one thought when it comes to WWII and the Dutch: Anne Frank. Itu0026#39;s heartening to watch a film that explores many other facets of the Dutch experience during occupation, and that doesnu0026#39;t promote an all-rosy view wherein everyone is heroic. It is a realistic film that showed the complications of war and occupation, the desire for self-survival, the limits of patriotism, the fragility of war-time romances, and the bravery and sacrifices that some, but not all, are willing to exhibit. My heart was in my throat many times as I wondered what would happen and, although the movie is almost two and a half hours, I was sorry to see it end.”