Unique, perceptive eye for various reactions in war

Rating: 10/10 (10 June 2007)

The film credits say that the film was based on a "true story." But I'm sure that the plural -- "stories" -- is more accurate. The coalescing, condensation of actual events onto a few central characters -- while the events are no doubt true -- is almost more than anyone could endure.
The film operates at 2 levels.
On the first, there's an action film as compelling as anything with Indiana Jones, which propels you through the 148 minutes as on a roller coaster. I had to ask my companions shortly after we saw it, "did this have subtitles?" because the velocity was so high I wasn't sure.
On the second level, there's a profound commentary on the human race.
I'm sure Americans are not alone in tending to polarize views between the good guys and the bad guys; those who are good are ALL good, those who are bad are ALL bad.
The film presents some as holding tightly to their principles and ideals, some as fudging just a little as needed to insure survival, some as looking to take personal advantage of situations. People come in all sorts and wartime conditions display that variety (and this film captures that).
I don't doubt that Americans are very similar to the people portrayed in this film. But I do doubt that such a critically perceptive film could be made in the USA about the American people. Kudos to those Dutch who have accepted and applauded this film.
I thought the casting and acting was superb. All were great but Carice van Houten was outstanding.
(After having posted this, I read many responses in the Message Board. AFTER YOU SEE THE FILM, I recommend you read hendrik-rood's reply in the thread, "muntzen, too nice?" http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0389557/board/thread/66978556 This gives a great amount of the factual material on which the movie was based. ETA: Sorry, this thread is no longer on the Message Board. Too bad. As I remember it, much of this film's events happened to a variety of Dutch people--which he named--but were condensed onto the main characters.)