Terrific!

Rating: 8/10 (8 July 2008)

World War II covers so much ground that it is impossible to tell every story that happened during that period. Despite being one of the bloodiest and most destructive periods in human history, it has provided the world with many captivating stories, ranging from "Schindler's List" to "The Pianist." Now joining that list is Paul Verhoeven's "Black Book."
Rachel Stein (Carice van Houten) is a young Jewish singer who is the only survivor after a botched escape attempt that killed her family. Now she works for the Resistance in Holland (under the name Ellis de Vries), and becomes embroiled in a scheme that that leaves her wanted by both the Nazis AND the Resistance.
There are two names that stand out in this movie: Verhoeven and van Houten. Their work is outstanding in this picture, and while everything about this film is superbly done, they are the ones to remember.
Paul Verhoeven is adept at drawing the most out of his movies, whether it be the good ("Black Book") or the bad ("Starship Troopers"). I'm willing to forgive him for the latter film (not much can be done when you have Casper van Dien in the lead), especially when he makes movies like "Black Book." Like in probably his most famous movie, "Basic Instinct," he gives us another terrific female lead, Carice van Houten.
Carice van Houten is a force to be reckoned with here. She's smart, tough when she has to be, but she still shows a lot of vulnerability. van Houten gives it all in her performance (in more ways than one). This is an outstanding performance, and I am anxious to see what her career holds for her.
The other actors are great as well. Sebastian Koch is solid as Ellis's lover, who manages to get our sympathy despite who he is. Waldermar Kobus is despicable as Franken, who is always fearsome and loathing. Halina Reijn is great as the ditzy, oversexed Ronnie. The weakest is Thom Hoffman (looking strikingly similar to Edward Burns), who despite not being bad, can't command the attention that his fellow actors do.
If there is anything to complain about, and there isn't much, it's with the ending. It's not what happens, it's how Verhoeven handles it. The final explanation is pretty confusing, even after a second viewing. Also, the actors seem to switch languages at random times, though all of it is spoken flawlessly (which is in and of itself a problem, however slight).
Still, this is a great movie. Highly recommended! This is a great movie, and Verhoeven's best.