One ‘absolutely stunning’ war film that promises to leave viewers gripped and on the edge of their seats is available to stream for free – but despite all the perfect reviews, the picture remains as thrilling as it is under-the-radar. One of the most expensive films to ever come out of the Netherlands, The Forgotten Battle, is a powerful Second World War drama that stars a mostly Dutch cast with leading roles from a fresh-faced cast made up of Gijs Blom, Jamie Flatters and Susan Radder, but with a few familiar names for Brits, including Tom Shelton who played Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter series.
Directed by Matthijs van Heijningen Jr, the film follows the Battle of the Scheldt in 1944, just before the end of the war, and its huge but relatively unknown strategy change. The film’s plot is centred around the three intertwined fates of a Dutch soldier under German control, a British pilot and a woman in the Dutch resistance.
Netflix gives a brief official description of the film: “During WWII’s crucial Battle of the Scheldt, the lives of a glider pilot, a Nazi soldier, and a reluctant Resistance recruit tragically intersect.”
Although focused on an often-uncovered area of WW2, the film shows what life was like for many during German occupation and later highlights just how important the battle was to allow the reopening of the port of Antwerp under the Allies to free the Netherlands.
The film shows how the First Canadian Army tried to regain control over the area in order to use the major ports for the final advance against Germany as the British and Americans pushed through lower down.
First released in 2020, the film was a huge hit with critics, achieving an extremely rare 100% critics rating on Rotten Tomatoes. One critic wrote: “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.”
While another gave it a five-star review, added: “Astonishing movie and surely this should spark a host more of movies depicting the European WW2.
“It isn’t the action (let’s face it, guns, shooting, death can only be shot so many ways) but the context, story and characters provide a gripping combination that you won’t forget.”
With a budget of around £12 million, the film ranks as the second most expensive film ever to be produced in the Netherlands, but despite the accolade, its budget is tiny compared to many other war-themed blockbusters.
However, with its beautiful cinematography, you would be hard pressed to realise it didn’t have a budget of three or four times higher.