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Black Book

Black Book (2007)

May. 18,2007
|
7.7
|
R
| Drama Thriller War

In the Nazi-occupied Netherlands during World War II, a Jewish singer infiltrates the regional Gestapo headquarters for the Dutch resistance.

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Reviews

Limerculer
2007/05/18

A waste of 90 minutes of my life

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Glimmerubro
2007/05/19

It is not deep, but it is fun to watch. It does have a bit more of an edge to it than other similar films.

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BallWubba
2007/05/20

Wow! What a bizarre film! Unfortunately the few funny moments there were were quite overshadowed by it's completely weird and random vibe throughout.

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Brendon Jones
2007/05/21

It’s fine. It's literally the definition of a fine movie. You’ve seen it before, you know every beat and outcome before the characters even do. Only question is how much escapism you’re looking for.

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Tweekums
2007/05/22

This Dutch wartime thriller opens in Israel in 1956 when a Dutch woman recognises woman teaching at a kibbutz; it turns out they knew each other during the war. We then see what the latter woman did during the war as the action switched to German occupied Netherlands in 1944. The woman is Rachel Stein, a Jewish singer, who is hiding with a Christian family. When that home is destroyed she seeks out a family friend who has contacts that can get her out of the country. She is passed on to a member of the resistance then meets up with a group of refugees, including her parents and brother. The boat they are travelling on is ambushed by the Germans and Rachel is the sole survivor.She manages to contact the resistance and after an accidental meeting with a local German commander, Ludwig Müntze, she is told to get close to him to help gain useful information. She soon learns that the man responsible for the death of her family, SS Officer Günther Franken, is working in the same headquarters as Müntze. After planting a microphone in his office the identity of the man who betrayed the refugees is found and the resistance must decide what to do next as striking against any friend of the Nazis can expect repercussions. That isn't Rachel's only worry; she is developing feelings for Müntze. Even after the war is over the troubles haven't finished as those who worked with the Germans will do anything to protect themselves and anybody even suspected of collaboration won't get a fair hearing from the mob that quickly forms.Writer/director Paul Verhoeven may be better known for over-the-top violent action films like 'RoboCop' and 'Total Recall' but here he shows that he is more than capable of making something more serious. That isn't to say there is no violence; there is quite a bit but it isn't gratuitous instead it feels real rather than exciting. The story isn't simply the heroic resistance versus the evil Nazis and collaborators... Müntze spares Rachel even though he realises she is Jewish and refuses orders to execute prisoners and we see resistance members showing anti-Semitic views and quickly turning on each other when it becomes apparent that somebody betrayed them... the identity of the traitors provides a good mystery. There is a good level of tension throughout the film and it is hard not to fear for Rachel's safety even though we know from the start that she survives the war. The cast does a really fine job; most notably Carice van Houten who does a great job as protagonist Rachel and Sebastian Koch as Müntze. Overall I'd definitely recommend this to anybody looking for a war film that is more morally ambiguous than most.

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Marc Israel
2007/05/23

A period piece that draws you in despite some questionable plot arcs and convenient gaps in judgment amongst characters. That aside, this is a tense pic that has its hands deep in the oil wells of reality, pumping away to generate tension, excitement, confrontation and some timely duets by the main architect of the Netherlands gestapo despite not being it's head. there are both sympathetic scenes and exaggerated action and rolled up in hard to believe plot where the obvious is overlooked.Mind you, I believe that was the point the director was attempting to make about the reality of the time. Flashes on our starlets breast and bush did nothing to add to either element, if only to add brashness to our character, but to the detriment of suspense of disbelief. Not that sex wasn't used by both sides to get what they wanted or needed, but it was pedaled more than bought and that's a bit hard to swallow. The acting is above par but definitely mixed all along, confusing this viewer and adding to the overall thought that the high cost film was spiraling and had to wrap up before these inconsistencies could grow further.

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Tejasvi Hegde
2007/05/24

Honestly, I did not expected the movie be so good.Thought it is just another military and spy story.Looking at the ratings, thought to give a try and glad that I came across this movie.The never ending unfortunate story of Jews is very well narrated.All actors act carried out their role very well.Carice van Houten is one of the finest actor around.Sebastian Koch is elegant as always.Movie keeps you glued to the seat.One of the movie to watch

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Bene Cumb
2007/05/25

Conquerors have often had the tendency to beautify, glorify their contribution and the events towards victories. This has brought along hundreds of films where dramatic events have been dealt with black-and- white manner. Zwartboek is a pleasant exception which shows life in harsh and uncertain circumstances in a realistic manner, with "good" and "bad" people and actions in both sides. The plot is solid and intense, has several twists and turns, catchy action scenes and dramatic moments. The value is enhanced by filming in real locations (joy of recognition; however, it increased the budget a lot) and the use of both Dutch and German actors, thus the original languages were spoken during the film. The cast is very strong and with character actors mainly, beginning with Carice van Houten as Rachel Stein / Ellis de Vries and Sebastian Koch as Ludwig Müntze - both internationally famous European actors. Highly recommended to those fond of versatile war films with strong feelings and dynamic events. It is no wonder that, in 2008, the Dutch public voted it the best Dutch film ever.

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