The Forgotten Battle

Set during the tumultuous period of World War II, The Forgotten Battle (2020) is a gripping war drama that masterfully interweaves the lives and fates of three young people during the chaotic Battle of Scheldt in Zeeland in the autumn of 1944. Directed by Matthijs van Heijningen Jr. and written by Paula van der Oest, it offers an intimate look into the personal costs of war and the gritty determination of ordinary individuals caught amidst extraordinary circumstances.

The Forgotten Battle tells the intertwined stories of a Dutch boy fighting for the Germans - Marinus (played by Gijs Blom), a British glider pilot - William (portrayed by Jamie Flatters), and a local Zeeland resistance girl - Toorop (Susan Radder). Each character is strewn into the unrelenting chaos of war, battling not only exterior forces but also their own internal dilemmas and fears. The movie follows them as they navigate the turbulent landscapes of occupied Europe, hoping to reclaim their freedom and survive the devastating conflict.

Marinus, portrayed by Gijs Blom, is a young Dutch soldier fighting on the side of the Germans. Caught in a morally challenging situation, he grapples with the stark divide between his sense of duty and the reality of the destructive force he has chosen to align himself with. Marinus is a complex character, and Blom delivers a riveting performance, displaying an array of emotions as he grapples with his choices.

Jamie Flatters helms the role of William, a British glider pilot. His primary duty is to land troops behind enemy lines safely. The gruelling combat situations and precarious flights, coupled with the unpredictability of war, have left him in a dire struggle for survival. Flatters shines through the role, encapsulating the bravado and turmoil of a young soldier thrown into a merciless situation.

Radder's character, Toorop, is a member of the local Dutch resistance. She embodies determination and valor, fighting against the dire circumstances and risks to life to help liberate her homeland from the yoke of German occupation. She not only has to defy the external forces but also grapple with the internal conflicts and endless bouts of fear and uncertainty. Radder offers a compelling and captivating performance, making Toorop a character to root for.

The Forgotten Battle is a stirring cinematic experience that vividly portrays the nuanced complexities of war. With its skilful storytelling and compelling performances, the movie delves deep into personal battles fought within the larger conflict. In doing so, it highlights the voices and sacrifices of ordinary individuals involved in a forgotten chapter of Europe's bloody past.

This war drama stands apart for focusing on a lesser-known, yet pivotal, Battle of Scheldt. The operation's main objective was to regain control over the Scheldt estuary in southwestern Netherlands to secure access to Antwerp's harbour. This remains one of the most daring military operations of World War II, costing many lives yet largely overlooked in popular discourse.

Heijningen's skilled direction is evident in every frame, creating suspense and a chilling frame of wartime. The grounded and visceral warfare depiction, combined with the moral dilemmas facing each character, creates an enthralling, thought-provoking narrative that leaves viewers contemplating long after the credits roll.

To complement these directorial efforts, the film benefits from an impressive technical front, as well. The Forgotten Battle excels in its production design, providing an authentic feel to the wartime settings. The cinematography is gritty, capturing the harsh realities of war, and contrasts sharply with the beautiful, sweeping shots of the film's Dutch landscapes.

The Forgotten Battle is a remarkable film that doesn't shy away from the harrowing realities of war and the innumerable sacrifices that come with it. It paints a realistic and heartrending picture of the personal struggles faced by those on the front lines and back at home. It serves as a poignant reminder of the costs of war and the power of human resilience against dire odds.