A 2020 Dutch war drama with rave reviews and a perfect score is being hailed as a must-watch.
The Forgotten Battle (Dutch title: De Slag om de Schelde) has been directed by Matthijs van Heijningen Jr. and brings to life on the big screen the 1944 Battle of the Scheldt.
The story follows three main characters – a Dutch Axis soldier played by Gijs Blom, a British glider pilot portrayed by Jamie Flatters, and a Zeeland resistance fighter brought to life by Susan Radder. They’re joined by Tom Felton, Jan Bijvoet, Coen Bril, and Theo Barklem-Biggs to round out the talented ensemble cast.
The Forgotten Battle is currently available to stream on Netflix and has also been ranked in the streaming platform’s all-time top 10 non-English language movies list.
The movie’s official plot reads: “In WWII’s final years, a soldier in the German army, a British glider pilot, and a Dutch resistance fighter’s paths intertwine. Their choices shape destinies, impacting not only their freedom but also that of others.”
Made on a budget of approximately €14 million, The Forgotten Battle is considered to be the second most expensive Dutch film that’s ever been made after the 2006 Black Book (Dutch title: Zwartboek).
The Forgotten Battle boasts a smashing 100 per cent critics approval rating on review aggregator site Rotten Tomatoes, with one reviewer writing that it’s “sure to satisfy history buffs as well as fans of well-crafted personal journeys.”
Another critic said of the war film: “If you’ve been missing a spectacular but uncomplicated wartime epic, this is it.”
While a third reviewer said: “Unflinching, brutal, terrifying, sad, and gut-wrenching, The Forgotten Battle is at times absolutely stunning.”
Audience reviews of the war epic follow in a similar vein, with one fan writing: “The Forgotten Battle excels in its visual and technical aspects, with impressive cinematography and a fitting musical score that enhances the overall viewing experience. Despite its modest budget, the film delivers high-quality action sequences and a realistic depiction of wartime struggles, making it a standout in the genre.”
They add: “Overall, “The Forgotten Battle” is a gripping and educational film that offers a poignant look at a lesser-known but crucial part of World War II history. It is a must-watch for fans of war movies and those interested in historical events.”
Another audience review says: “A gripping war drama, detailing the horrors of war. Great acting, great cinematography. Based on factual events, of which I didn’t know about.”
While yet another impressed fan writes: “Before watching this film I had no prior knowledge of it and no particular expectation. However, I found it engrossing and extremely realistic. It made me reflect on what being a soldier could be like and I thought of my grandad who fought in the First World War. Ultimately, I found it very moving.”
One glowing review of the film says: “Terrific and gripping second world war story with excellent acting, realistic scenes and intelligent dialogue.”
The Forgotten Battle is currently available to stream on Netflix.