Many people love a good war film, and World War 2 stories remain especially popular because of the intensity of the conflict and the sacrifices so many people made. For many viewers, these powerful real-life stories make for some of the most gripping and emotional cinema.
And that’s the case for one of the latest additions to Netflix in the UK, which has already been described by fans as “the most enjoyable World War 2 film” ever. The Norwegian movie titled ‘Number 24’ has earned a perfect 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes and a 95% audience rating, and is now available to stream.
The film tells the remarkable true story of Gunnar Sønsteby, a member of the Norwegian resistance who carried out daring sabotage missions during the Nazi occupation.
It follows him from the 1940 invasion through to the end of the war, framed by an older Sønsteby recounting his story to schoolchildren in the town of Rjukan.
It premiered in Norwegian cinemas in October 2024 and became the most-streamed movie in Norway after it was released on Norwegian Netflix.
Number 24 stars Sjur Vatne Brean as the young Sønsteby and Erik Hivju as the older version.
The film was directed by John Andreas Andersen and written by first-time screenwriter Espen von Ibenfeldt.
The film focuses less on explosions and more on drama and emotion, with one reviewer writing: “Not an action movie but an intense drama. Great plot, great acting, very well paced and not predictable. Refreshing to see a movie that has soul to it.”
Another person said: “Absolutely excellent movie. It touched my heart. Though violent it shows what men and boys had to go through defending what is right, good and true.”
A third viewer called it: “A difficult and humbling film to watch. It made me reflect on my life and appreciate what I have thanks to such dedicated heroes. This movie will stick with me for a long time.”
Many also praised the performances of the lead actors, with one review saying: “This is probably the most enjoyable World War 2 film I’ve seen all year. Both actors playing the younger and older version of Gunnar did an incredible job.”
Another added: “Amazing movie, keeps you on the edge of your seat and tells a beautiful story.”
The film takes its name from Gunnar Sønsteby’s most famous wartime codename, Number 24, and was produced by the Norwegian company Motion Blur.
It is now available to stream on Netflix in the UK.