This war film focuses on a lesser-known battle of World War II that has left viewers completely “gripped”.
The Forgotten Battle is a Dutch war drama film with an impressive 100% overall score on Rotten Tomatoes. The 2020 release takes viewers back to 1944 in a depiction of the Battle of the Scheldt, which took place on the Scheldt River between Antwerp and the North Sea.
During the war, the river was used for shipping so that the port in Antwerp could be used to supply its allies in the northwest of Europe. It saw the First Canadian Army try to regain control over the area in order to use the major ports for the final advance against Germany.
The Canadians, along with the help of the British and Polish armies, spent five long weeks fighting and, as a result, lost 20,873 of their forces. However, after a brutal fight, they were finally successful in securing the ground, which helped to reopen Antwerp and allow millions of tonnes of supplies to arrive, which were critical in the fight against Germany.
A Rotten Tomatoes review says: “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.”
Another viewer said: “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.”
The film itself follows the story of a Dutch Axis soldier, a British pilot, and a resistance woman from Zeeland, who find themselves intrinsically linked during these pivotal final years of World War II. As the three young characters are forced to make crucial decisions that not only affect their lives but the freedom of others, we see the human stories behind the battle.
Leading roles are played by a fresh-faced cast made up of Gijs Blom, Jamie Flatters and Susan Radder, with a surprising cameo from Harry Potter’s Tom Felton. Flatters is a British actor who plays the role of the pilot in the film and is best known for his work on the highly acclaimed Avatar: The Way of Water as well as The School for Good and Evil.
A viewer said: “Overall, it’s 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.”
With a budget of around €14 million, The Forgotten Battle is considered the second most expensive Dutch film ever made, and yet in comparison to its Hollywood war movie rivals, it’s a small-budget film. After its release, the film ranked high in Netflix’s all-time most-watched non-English language movies.
“Unflinching, brutal, terrifying, sad, and gut-wrenching, The Forgotten Battle is at times absolutely stunning,” one review claims. While someone else claims: “Terrific and gripping Second World War story with excellent acting, realistic scenes and intelligent dialogue.”
For those wanting to learn more about the Battle of the Scheldt or simply be captivated by a war film, The Forgotten Battle is available to stream on Netflix now.