A little-known war film on Netflix is being hailed as an 'exceptional masterpiece' rivalling the likes of Saving Private Ryan — and most people probably haven't even heard of it.
The underrated gem is based on a tragic and lesser-known true incident from World War II, and viewers are calling it the 'best war film of all time'.
True Story Behind the Film
The war drama is based on the true story of Operation Carthage, a devastating and tragic WW2 incident in which a British Royal Air Force (RAF) raid on March 21, 1945, resulted in the accidental bombing of the French-Danish Jeanne d'Arc School in Copenhagen, Denmark. The raid resulted in 123 civilian deaths, which included 87 schoolkids and 18 adults present at the school.
What Is 'The Bombardment'?
The Bombardment, also known as The Shadow in My Eye and originally called Skyggen i mit øje, is a 2021 Danish war drama that has left fans 'literally sobbing'. The film first released in Denmark in 2021 and its distribution rights were eventually acquired by Netflix, which added the war drama to its catalogue in March 2022.
Written and directed by Ole Bornedal, The Bombardment has gripped viewers from the 'very first frame' and audiences can't stop lauding its brilliance.
Starring Alex Høgh Andersen, Fanny Bornedal, Danica Curcic, Alban Lendorf, Caspar Phillipson, Patricia Schumann, Morten Suurballe, James Tarpey, and Susse Wold, viewers are saying they have 'never seen anything quite like this' war film.
The film's official plot states: 'The fates of several Copenhagen residents collide when a WWII bombing mission accidentally targets a school full of children.'
Critical and Audience Acclaim
With a perfect 100% critics approval rating and 90% audience approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, praise for The Bombardment has poured in from all quarters.
One critic said of the film: 'Haunting and visceral, Ole Bornedal's beautifully shot film stays in your mind well after it's over.'
While another reviewer said: 'The Bombardment is an emotional drama with depressing moments and there are many scenes involving violence and injustice, so it isn't a movie for the faint of heart. But it remains an important story and unapologetic portrayal of the brutality of war.'
A third critic shared: 'If you think you can handle the confronting subject matter, this is thoughtfully made and worth a watch.'
Audiences were equally captivated with the war drama, with one viewer writing: 'Absolutely fantastic, heart breaking, intense all wrapped in one, amazing directing and even at the ending, moments stay in your mind. Great actors/actresses. Well portrayed. 5*'
While another viewer review said: 'Absolutely brilliant. Unlike any other war film I have ever seen. Mostly truthful in its historical portrayal of a terrible event. I was glued to the screen from the start. I will be watching this one again.'
One fan of the film added: 'Immaculate film making. Overflowing with superb craft and taste. A magnificent tribute to a brave people.'
While an IMDB user review reads: 'Amazing Movie. I was transfixed from start to finish. Best movie I have seen in some time. Acting is very good, dubbing in English not distracting. The children and adult characters are interesting. The story is beyond moving. Some scenes definitely not for the faint of heart. I don't give many movies a ten, I don't think I have ever seen anything quite like this. Simply brilliant.'
Yet another glowing review said: 'It's not perfect, but it's also one of the best WWII movies that I've seen, and I've seen a lot. The cinematography is impressive, with a number of unique shots and visuals. The characters are compelling, each one of them. I think the director did a great job of portraying the heart break and horror of war, without leaving the audience gutted completely.'
An emotional review of the film by an audience member said: 'This movie wrecked me. This is one of the best war movies I have ever seen. This is a masterpiece in storytelling. It makes you connect with the characters emotionally. I loved how they portrayed the children. I laughed with them and I cried with them. By the end of the movie I was an emotional mess, I was literally sobbing. No child should ever go through what those children went through. RIP.'
The Bombardment is available to stream on Netflix.
