Good Book

Rating: 8/10 (3 April 2009)

In Nazi-occupied Netherlands, a Jewish woman becomes a spy for Resistance fighters. The story has a familiar feel to it and is somewhat simplistic and unbelievable, but manages to be interesting nonetheless after a meandering beginning. It goes on a bit too long but doesn't really drag. van Houten is quite effective as the Dutch woman who changes her identity and appearance to pass herself off as a non-Jew. The supporting cast is pretty good. Verhoeven, who has a tendency to impose style over substance in films like "The Fourth Man," is surprisingly restrained here, letting the story unfold without overwhelming it.