The Forgotten Battle (2020) is a Dutch war film set during World War II, focusing on the Battle of the Scheldt in 1944โa lesser-known but strategically crucial conflict in the European theater. Directed by Matthijs van Heijningen Jr., the film combines intense action with deep emotional layers, weaving a multi-dimensional story about people from different sides of the war who find themselves drawn into the conflict, no matter their loyalties.
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The film centers on three main characters, each representing a different perspective in the war:
- Teuntje Visser (played by Susan Radder) โ A Dutch girl who joins the resistance after witnessing the German occupationโs oppression. Her story represents the courage of civilians who dare to stand up to the invaders, regardless of the sacrifices and losses involved.
- William Sinclair (Tom Felton) โ A British pilot in the Royal Air Force (RAF) who enters the war with high ideals but is soon confronted with its harsh realities.
- Marinus van Staveren (Gijs Blom) โ A Dutch soldier who volunteers to fight with the Germans but gradually becomes disillusioned with the cruelty and futility of war, experiencing inner conflict between loyalty and personal conscience.
Key Highlights and Themes
The Forgotten Battle stands out for its realistic and straightforward approach, especially in depicting the muddy, freezing, and harsh battlefield conditions of the Scheldt. It also captures the characters’ varying motivationsโfrom patriotism and idealism to desperationโand how these choices shape their lives amid the brutal chaos of war.
The film explores themes such as:
- Sacrifice and Loss: The cost of war is portrayed not only through intense battle scenes but also through deeply personal moments, as characters face the pain of losing loved ones and the spiritual toll of difficult choices.
- Moral Choices: The Forgotten Battle examines how the characters are forced to make complex moral decisions, placing them in situations where loyalty, conscience, and survival instincts clash.
Reception and Impact
The Forgotten Battle received significant praise from critics for its tight script, compelling performances, and historical authenticity. The film has garnered global attention for its humanity and realism, especially appealing to war genre fans interested in uncovering forgotten stories from World War II.