The Resistance Banker

In the storm of World War II, when every shade of humanity was tested, there emerged resplendent stories of courage, patriotism, and defiance, many of which have been immortalized in movies. Among these, the 2018 film, The Resistance Banker stands out as a stirring tribute to resilience and tenacity. Directed by Joram Lürsen, it features a cast, led by Jacob Derwig, Barry Atsma and Fockeline Ouwerkerk, who breathe life into a story of resistance and resilience against fear and dominance.

The Resistance Banker paints a vivid picture of Nazi-occupied Netherlands during World War II, embroiled in the throes of economic and moral hardship. It revolves around the resourceful and defiant banker Walraven van Hall, played by Barry Atsma, who, along with his brother, Gijs van Hall, played by Jacob Derwig, are drawn into the war's labyrinth. They entwine their lives with the Resistance in an endeavor that perfectly displayed the essence of quiet bravery.

Van Hall brothers are the pillars of society, with a well-established banking legacy. However, despite their comfortable circumstances, they find it impossible to stand by idly in the face of Nazi oppression. Instead of taking the path of least resistance, they decide to put their resources at the service of the Dutch resistance movement. They design an audacious plan to fund the Resistance, a plan that involved committing one of the biggest frauds in Dutch history against the Nazis.

The van Hall brothers come up with an innovative plan, creating a "ghost" bank that would play the pivotal role in funding the Dutch Resistance Movement. The bank isn't just an establishment of saving, loan, and interest; it's a beacon of hope and resilience. The narrative is defined by their silent war against authoritarianism and their struggle to finance a resistance movement that's fighting tooth and nail against a well-equipped enemy.

Barry Atsma gives a compelling performance as Walraven, focusing on his character's unwavering commitment to his cause, rather than sparking grand heroics. He plays Walraven as an ordinary man who tackles an extraordinary circumstance with resolve and resilience. Jacob Derwig, as Gijs, brings depth to his character, presenting a strong, supportive brother who possesses equal shades of bravery. Fockeline Ouwerkerk effortlessly slips into the role of Tilly van Hall, Walraven's wife, who is left to balance her family's safety against the terrifying risks her husband and brother-in-law undertake. The trio's performances are heartrending and deeply moving, intensifying the sobering reality of their precarious existence.

The Resistance Banker is an impressive piece of cinematography that stunningly captures the fear, anguish, and uncertainty of a nation under siege. The dim lighting, muted color palette, and sharp contrasts cut an image of a stark world, underlining the oppressive reality of war-torn Netherlands. Yet amidst this gloom, the film subtly highlights pockets of defiant hope, fuelled by the determination of unsung heroes who put their lives on the line for the sake of their country.

The screenplay by Thomas van der Ree and Winchester McFly is brilliantly crafted, interweaving the personal and the political without losing sight of historical accuracy. They get the narrative tone just right, balancing the tense, thrilling elements of the premise with heartfelt human emotions. This movie never loses sight of the human elements of bravery, trust, familial love, and comradeship, which ultimately define the real narrative of war.

The Resistance Banker is a gripping and humane drama that presents a perspective of the World War II seldom shown on the big screen. It's an open window into the lives of ordinary people who, when thrust into extraordinary circumstances, choose to fight rather than surrender. The film takes you on a riveting ride through the trials and tribulations of the van Hall brothers and reminds us that courage often lies wrapped in ordinary covers. This Dutch historical drama is not just a movie but a tribute to those unwavering hearts who, in the face of adversity, chose resistance over submission. A must-watch for history enthusiasts and lovers of war-time dramas, The Resistance Banker is a glowing testimony that humans, even in their darkest hours, can herald change and hope.