Black Book (2006)

Very Surprising Bargain

Purchased DVD at blockbuster sale. Definitely a good deal. Other reviewers tell you the story, I'll just say that in my opinion it was a damn good movie, even tho some parts of it were tough to watch October 28, 2008

Great movie on the Dutch Resistance during WWII

Darn good movie about a Jewish fugitive who's Family and friends are massacred in an ambush, while attempting to escape the Nazis to neutral territory. She ends up helping the Dutch Resistance getting "inside" the local Gestapo to spy, sabotage and derail their actions against the Resistance in 1944. Excellent story line and script continuity that keeps you interested, with no slowdown between scenes.

The Jewish woman Rachel Stein becomes Ellis De Vries and temps fate at nearly every corner, all the while, falling in love with the German Captain Meuntze; who is trying to reach a truce with the Resistance (unbeknownst to his Superiors). Barely escaping with her life, "The Resistance" still after her at war's end; thinking she had double-crossed them, contributing (wrongly) to the deaths of dozens of Jews and Dutch Resistance. With the "real collaborator" uncovered in the Black Book she happens upon, from one of the many Nazi collaborators as he's killed soon after the Allied Liberation.

Excellent acting from Carice Van Houten as Rachel Stein/Ellis De Vries, Thom Hoffman as Dr. Hans Aakermanns; one of the Resistance leaders (and turning out to be a Nazi Collaborator), Sebastian Koch as the German Captain Ludwig Muentze and superb Direction by Paul Verhoeven.

Darn, I'm really beginning to love these European films. Another good Dutch film is "May 6th" - (2004) Based on events surrounding the 2002 assassination of Pim Fortuyn. September 22, 2008

Good watch!

I am not one to watch non-English speaking shows, I actually bought this by mistake (did not read the details properly). But no regrets at all! An exciting story line, it gave me a feeling like one of those old classic WWII movies which I enjoy so much. But, keep it away from the kids, though (quite a bit of nudity). September 12, 2008

Mesmerizing

This film chronicles the Dutch resistance against Nazi aggression in WWII following a Jewish protagonist named Rachel Stein/Ellis de Vries. The decisions Rachel/Ellis must make to maintain her cover in some extremely difficult situations will make some viewers uncomfortable, but I challenge those who view BLACK BOOK to ask themselves what they would have done?

This is not in the same vein as SAVING PRIVATE RYAN or PATTON-there are gunshots here and there, but the blood and guts in this film are the consenquences that come with Rachel/Ellis's actions (wonderfully portrayed by Carice van Houten). Strong performances by the supporting players as well (particularly Sebastian Koch who played the Nazi Muntze). A fantastic film, 4.5 stars! August 31, 2008

Stunning!

Don't be put off by sub titles - this is one of the best films I've ever seen July 21, 2008

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