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The Forgotten Battle (De Slag om de Schelde), a 2020 Dutch war drama directed by Matthijs van Heijningen Jr., is a powerful and unflinching portrayal of the lesser-known Battle of the Scheldt in 1944. With a budget of €14 million, making it the second most expensive Dutch film ever produced, this Netflix co-production delivers a visually stunning and emotionally resonant narrative. By weaving together the stories of three distinct characters—a Dutch resistance member, a British glider pilot, and a Dutch Axis soldier—the film offers a multifaceted perspective on the horrors and moral complexities of World War II. This 2000-word review explores the film’s strengths, weaknesses, historical significance, and cinematic achievements, optimized for SEO to engage readers interested in war films, historical dramas, and Netflix originals.

Overview of The Forgotten Battle

Set in September 1944, The Forgotten Battle centers on the Battle of the Scheldt, a critical yet often overlooked conflict that played a pivotal role in the Allied liberation of Europe. The battle aimed to secure the Scheldt estuary, allowing Allied forces to access the port of Antwerp and strengthen their supply lines. The film follows three protagonists whose lives intersect amid the chaos of war:

• Teuntje Visser (Susan Radder), a young Dutch woman working in a collaborationist mayor’s office in occupied Zeeland, who becomes entangled in the Dutch Resistance.

• William Sinclair (Jamie Flatters), a British glider pilot determined to prove himself despite personal and familial pressures.

• Marinus van Staveren (Gijs Blom), a Dutch volunteer in the Waffen-SS, whose disillusionment with the Nazi cause grows as the war unfolds.

Directed by Matthijs van Heijningen Jr. and written by Paula van der Oest, the film is a character-driven drama that balances intense battle sequences with intimate personal journeys. Its high production value, historical accuracy, and emotional depth make it a standout in the war movie genre.

Plot Summary: A Tale of Courage and Sacrifice

The Forgotten Battle begins with an animated map that effectively sets the historical context, showing the Allied advance into the Low Countries after the Normandy invasion. The narrative unfolds through three parallel storylines, each highlighting a different facet of the war.

Teuntje, initially neutral, is drawn into the Resistance when her brother Dirk (Ronald Kalter) is arrested for an act of defiance against the Germans. Her journey from bystander to active participant reflects the moral dilemmas faced by civilians in occupied territories. Meanwhile, William, a young glider pilot, grapples with proving his worth in a high-stakes mission that goes awry, showcasing the vulnerability and bravery of Allied soldiers. Marinus, a Dutchman serving in the German army, begins to question his allegiance as he witnesses the brutality of the Nazi regime, offering a controversial yet compelling perspective on the enemy’s side.

The stories converge during the climactic Battle of the Scheldt, where the characters’ choices shape their fates and the outcome of the conflict. The film’s pacing, while occasionally slow due to its ambitious scope, builds tension effectively, culminating in a gut-wrenching finale that underscores the cost of war.

Cinematic Excellence: Visuals and Direction

One of the film’s greatest strengths is its stunning cinematography by Lennert Hillege. The visuals capture the bleak, waterlogged landscapes of Zeeland with a gritty, melancholic tone. From the muddy trenches to the fog-shrouded marshes, every frame immerses viewers in the harsh realities of the battlefield. Explosions light up the night sky, and intense close-ups of soldiers’ faces convey the fear and determination of combat. The glider sequences, in particular, are breathtaking, with a visceral depiction of a fleet under attack that rivals Hollywood blockbusters.

Matthijs van Heijningen Jr.’s direction is masterful, balancing large-scale battle scenes with intimate character moments. His decision to tell the story from three perspectives—Allied, Axis, and civilian—adds depth and avoids the one-dimensional portrayals common in war films. While comparisons to Christopher Nolan’s Dunkirk are inevitable due to the similar grey-blue palette and interwoven narratives, The Forgotten Battle carves its own path by focusing on personal stakes rather than grand strategy.

Performances: A Talented Ensemble

The cast delivers compelling performances that anchor the film’s emotional core. Susan Radder shines as Teuntje, portraying her transformation from a cautious observer to a courageous resistor with nuance and authenticity. Her scenes with Jan Bijvoet, who plays her father, a doctor treating both sides, are particularly poignant, highlighting the family tensions caused by war.

Jamie Flatters brings intensity to William, capturing the bravado and vulnerability of a young soldier eager to prove himself. His interactions with Tom Felton, who plays a stern commanding officer, add layers to his character’s arc. Gijs Blom’s portrayal of Marinus is the most polarizing, as his character’s redemption arc may feel like a cliché to some viewers. However, Blom’s performance is understated and empathetic, making Marinus’s internal conflict believable and tragic.

Historical Significance: Shining Light on the Battle of the Scheldt

The Battle of the Scheldt, fought in October and November 1944, was a brutal campaign that resulted in nearly 13,000 Allied casualties, half of them Canadian, and a similar number of German losses. Despite its strategic importance in opening Antwerp’s port, the battle is often overshadowed by more famous engagements like D-Day or Operation Market Garden. The Forgotten Battle deserves praise for bringing this overlooked chapter of WWII to a global audience, especially through its focus on Canadian contributions, which are rarely highlighted in cinema.

The film’s historical accuracy is commendable, with detailed depictions of uniforms, weaponry, and tactics. Filming locations in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Lithuania enhance authenticity, particularly the scenes in Middelburg and Vlissingen, which recreate the flooded, war-torn Zeeland landscape. The inclusion of Dutch, English, and German dialogue, along with subtitles, adds to the film’s realism, immersing viewers in the multilingual chaos of occupied Europe.

Themes: Moral Complexity and the Human Cost of War

The Forgotten Battle explores themes of courage, sacrifice, and the moral ambiguity of war. By presenting perspectives from both sides, the film challenges the traditional “good vs. evil” narrative. Marinus’s arc, in particular, raises questions about complicity and redemption, though some critics argue it risks humanizing the Nazis too much. Teuntje’s story highlights the role of civilians, especially women, in the Resistance, while William’s journey underscores the pressures faced by young soldiers.

The film also emphasizes the futility of war, with its graphic depictions of violence—limbs blown off, blood-soaked battlefields, and executions—serving as a stark reminder of its toll. Yet, it avoids gratuitous gore, using violence to underscore the characters’ emotional and physical struggles. The message that “fighting for freedom should never be forgotten” resonates strongly, making the film both a tribute to WWII veterans and a cautionary tale about conflict.

Strengths: What Makes The Forgotten Battle Stand Out

1. High Production Value: With a €14 million budget, the film rivals Hollywood war epics in scale and quality. The battle scenes are meticulously choreographed, and the set design is immersive.

2. Character-Driven Narrative: The focus on three individuals makes the war feel personal, allowing viewers to connect with their struggles and triumphs.

3. Historical Insight: By spotlighting the Battle of the Scheldt, the film educates audiences about a lesser-known but crucial WWII event.

4. Cinematography and Sound: The visuals and sound design, including a haunting score, create an atmospheric and emotional experience.

5. Balanced Perspectives: The inclusion of Allied, Axis, and civilian viewpoints adds depth and complexity to the story.

Weaknesses: Where the Film Falls Short

Despite its strengths, The Forgotten Battle is not without flaws. The ambitious scope, with three parallel storylines, occasionally leads to pacing issues. Some viewers may find the character-building scenes slow, particularly in the first half, as the film juggles multiple narratives.

Additionally, the similarities to Dunkirk—in tone, color palette, and structure—may detract from its originality. While it stands on its own, the comparisons are hard to ignore, especially in the aerial sequences and slow-building tension.

Marinus’s redemption arc is another point of contention. Some critics argue that focusing on a Nazi soldier’s disillusionment risks overshadowing the Allied and Resistance stories. While the arc is handled sensitively, it may alienate viewers who prefer a clearer moral stance.

Finally, the film’s emotional impact, while strong, is diluted by the limited screen time for each character. With so many perspectives, it’s challenging to fully invest in any single storyline, leaving some arcs feeling underdeveloped.

Comparison to Other War Films

The Forgotten Battle shares DNA with films like Saving Private Ryan and Dunkirk due to its intense battle scenes and historical focus. However, its emphasis on personal stories aligns it more closely with Platoon or All Quiet on the Western Front, where the human drama takes center stage. Unlike Saving Private Ryan, which prioritizes American perspectives, The Forgotten Battle highlights Dutch and Canadian contributions, offering a fresh angle on WWII.

Compared to Black Book, another Dutch WWII film, The Forgotten Battle is less sensational but equally gripping, with a broader scope and more restrained tone. Its production quality and Netflix backing give it an edge over smaller-budget war dramas, making it accessible to a global audience.

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Who Should Watch The Forgotten Battle?

The Forgotten Battle is ideal for:

• War Movie Enthusiasts: Fans of Dunkirk, Saving Private Ryan, or 1917 will appreciate the intense action and historical context.

• History Buffs: Those interested in WWII, particularly lesser-known battles, will find the film educational and engaging.

• Netflix Subscribers: As a Netflix original, it’s easily accessible for viewers seeking high-quality international cinema.

• Mature Audiences: Rated TV-MA for graphic violence and mature themes, the film is best suited for older teens and adults.

Parents should note the film’s intense violence, including blood, gore, and torture, as well as mild profanity and smoking/drinking scenes. It’s not suitable for younger viewers but can spark meaningful discussions about war and sacrifice for older audiences.

Final Verdict: A Must-Watch War Drama

The Forgotten Battle is a gripping, visually spectacular, and emotionally resonant addition to the WWII genre. Despite minor pacing issues and inevitable comparisons to Dunkirk, it succeeds in telling a compelling story about courage, sacrifice, and the human cost of war. Its focus on the Battle of the Scheldt, combined with strong performances and high production value, makes it a standout Netflix original. Whether you’re a history buff or a fan of character-driven dramas, this film is well worth the 124-minute runtime.

Rating: 8/10

For those eager to explore a lesser-known chapter of WWII through a lens of raw humanity and stunning visuals, The Forgotten Battle is streaming now on Netflix. Grab your popcorn, brace for impact, and prepare to be moved by this unforgettable war epic.