Verhoeven's Classic War Film
Paul Verhoeven's 1977 Dutch romantic war thriller Soldier of Orange has been hailed as the best war movie of all time. Based on Erik Hazelhoff Roelfzema's autobiographical book, the film stars Rutger Hauer and Jeroen Krabbé and is set during the German occupation of the Netherlands in World War II. It was produced by Rob Houwer.
Critical Acclaim and Awards
The film received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Foreign Language Film in 1980. At the 1999 Netherlands Film Festival, it was voted the second-best Dutch film of the twentieth century. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds an impressive 92% rating, with one critic stating: 'This brilliantly made war film helped alert Hollywood to Verhoeven's talents.'
Viewer Reactions
One viewer commented: 'It is a masterpiece co-directed by the main character himself. It takes you through an era where, without warning, an entire country is occupied by night. No internet, no mobiles and no drones. Close to Germany, the resistance in a small country was extremely dangerous, taking into account the number of resistance died in camps or were shot all over the country. Dozens of pilots were helped to escape to the UK, and numerous Jews survived thanks to the bravery of a few. The film takes you to the daily life, struggles, and decisions of the 30's. A Dutch top cast including Hauer, Krabbe, and many others. That's why Verhoeven is Verhoeven.'
Another viewer added: 'One of the best war movies ever made. I watched it all along, and I was so into it that when I saw the intermission, I was shocked as if I just watched 30 minutes of the movie and that to me is the secret of the great movie, they keep you into the storyline no matter what.'
Where to Watch
Soldier of Orange is available to stream free of charge on Tubi and also on Amazon Prime.
