UNQUESTIONABLY: “Zwartboek”, or “Black Book” as it was released here in the United States. Sebastian Koch you will recall from “Das Leben der Anderen” (which, come to think of it, probably ties with “Zwartboek” for film of the year), while Carice van Houten will be in the next James Bond flick.
But is it better than director Paul Verhoeven’s previous Dutch World War II film, “Soldaat van Oranje”? Difficult choice! Happily, both films display a certain monarchist tendency.
Cusack, you surprise me. Both films, although admittedly old-fashioned in style, are deeply anti-traditional. They mock religion, monarchy, and hierarchy. ‘Blackbook’ in particular is sexually depraved.
How could you?
Hmmm… are they? I hadn’t noticed. Perhaps I’ve just mastered the skill of mentally erasing all the dodgy bits.
Rob’s the same way! We’ll see a movie he recommends and I’ll say “That had some horrible scenes!” and he just brushes it aside, “Oh yes, but you just forget about those.” Perhaps its my feminine instinct as moral guardian, but one does NOT forget such things!
I think because it’s obligatory to have, hmmm, “dodgy” scenes in any film, you’ve just learned to cast them aside and then selectively remember films for their better parts.
As I recall, “Soldier of Orange” did have some dodgy bits, mainly dealing with the main character’s considerable sexual appetite.
However, like Mr. Cusack, I recall a distinct monarchical tone–e.g., as in when HM Queen Wilhemlina sends a message to the Dutch Underground and the fact that the Dutch warmly welcome her back to her palace.