Zwartboek (2006)

Director:

Paul Verhoeven

Writers:

Gerard Soeteman (written by)
Paul Verhoeven (written by)

Release Date:

14 September 2006 (Netherlands)

Genre:

Drama | Thriller | War

Tagline:

To fight the enemy, she must become one of them.

Plot:

In the Nazi-occupied Netherlands during World War II, a Jewish singer infiltrates the regional Gestapo headquarters for the Dutch resistance.

Plot Keywords:

Resistance | Hiding | Boat | Hiding Place | Jewish

Awards:

Nominated for BAFTA Film Award. Another 11 wins & 14 nominations

Cast

Carice van Houten	...	Rachel Stein / Ellis de Vries
Sebastian Koch	...	Ludwig Müntze
Thom Hoffman	...	Hans Akkermans
Halina Reijn	...	Ronnie
Waldemar Kobus	...	Günther Franken
Derek de Lint	...	Gerben Kuipers
Christian Berkel	...	General Käutner
Dolf de Vries	...	Notary Wim Smaal
Peter Blok	...	Van Gein
Michiel Huisman	...	Rob
Ronald Armbrust	...	Tim Kuipers
Frank Lammers	...	Kees
Matthias Schoenaerts	...	Joop
Johnny de Mol	...	Theo
Xander Straat	...	Maarten

Also Known As:

Black Book (Germany) (International: English title) (UK) (USA)

MPAA:

Rated R for some strong violence, graphic nudity, sexuality and language.

Runtime:

145 min

Country:

Netherlands | Germany | Belgium

Language:

Dutch | English | German | Hebrew

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Certification:

Netherlands:16 | USA:R | Switzerland:16 (canton of Geneva) | Switzerland:16 (canton of Vaud) | UK:15 | Italy:VM14 | Portugal:M/16 | Argentina:16 | South Korea:18 | Hong Kong:IIB | Germany:16 | Canada:14A (Ontario) | Japan:PG-12 | Australia:MA | Spain:18 | Brazil:16 | Singapore:M18 | Ireland:18 | Norway:15 (DVD rating) | Sweden:15 (TV rating) | New Zealand:R16 | Finland:K-15

Filming Locations:

's-Gravenhage, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands

Company:

Fu Works

Trivia:

Director Paul Verhoeven and screenwriter Gerard Soeteman got the idea for the movie while doing research for Soldaat van Oranje (1977). Instead of simply working the controversies surrounding the Dutch Resistance into the already top-heavy screenplay of Soldaat van Oranje, they decided to make a separate movie out of it. Verhoeven and Soeteman wrote the screenplay over a period of almost 20 years, and they finally solved many script problems by making the main character a woman.

Goofs:

Revealing mistakes: A torch is used to cut the hinges off of a metal door during the rescue scene. When the door is removed, it is handled right next to the cut hinge. In reality, the metal would be so hot it would be impossible to handle without serious injury.

Quotes:

Rachel Stein aka Ellis de Vries: [SPOILER]
[Hans Akkermans is locked in the coffin, as a punishment for his murderous treason, struggling to get out by kicking and screaming]
Rachel Stein aka Ellis de Vries: We should actually get up and open the coffin.
Gerben Kuipers: Yeah. We should...
[both Rachel and Gerben remain seated, gazing at the river]
Gerben Kuipers: What should we do with all the money?
Rachel Stein aka Ellis de Vries: It doesn't belong to us.
Gerben Kuipers: It doesn't belong to anybody.
Rachel Stein aka Ellis de Vries: To the dead...
[the sound of Hans Akkermans's screams stops, meaning he is now dead. Gerben raises his finger]
[...]

Movie Connections:

References Der blaue Engel (1930)

Soundtrack:

Scheepke Onder Jezus Hoede

The best dutch production in 20-30 years

I have been eagerly waiting to see 'Zwartboek' the past months. Finally it premiered in Holland today and i immediately rushed to cinema to be one of the first to see it. Beforehand i didn't watch any trailer nor read any review so i went in completely not knowing what to expect.

The movie starts a bit messy. Not knowing what it wants and where it wants to go. But as soon as things are set the roller-coaster ride begins. Carice and Sebastian are simply outstanding. Together they really carry the movie. The story however is predictable at times, but the awesome production quality (for dutch standards) and fast paced action really make up for it.

The overall message (which i will not give away) is something to think about. See the movie and judge for yourself.

I have heard this will be sent in for the Oscars. As much as i would want Paul to win i don't think it will happen. There will be other movies with a story less predictable and more surprising. However, my heart would want him to win this and walk out with a big figurative finger pointed at all them critics.

Zwartboek is in my opinion the best dutch production in 20-30 years, maybe even the best dutch movie since Soldier of Orange. It doesn't disappoint, it doesn't bore and it will give you a ride which you won't forget. It is also the breakthrough of Carice van Houten. Rave reviews from Venice compare her to Scarlett Johansson, but even better. Future will tell...

For now, go see this! And for Paul: please stay in Holland and make dutch cinema proud again.