The Forgotten Battle, a Dutch World War II film streaming on Netflix, has garnered comparisons to the classic war film Saving Private Ryan for its gripping and realistic portrayal of conflict. Directed by Matthijs van Heijningen Jr., the 2020 film recounts the Battle of the Scheldt in 1944, a lesser-known but pivotal military operation often overlooked in history books.
A Story of Three Perspectives
The film follows three young characters: a Dutch Axis soldier, a British glider pilot, and a resistance woman from New Zealand, whose lives intersect on the flooded island of Walcheren. Their intertwined stories highlight the brutality of war and the weight of their decisions, shaping not only their own destinies but also the freedom of those around them.
Star-Studded Cast
The cast includes Susan Radder as Teuntje Visser, Gijs Blom as Marinus van Staveren, and Jamie Flatters as William Sinclair. Notably, British actor Tom Felton, best known for playing Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter films, stars as Lieutenant Tony Turner.
Critical Acclaim and Fan Reviews
Fans have praised the film on Rotten Tomatoes. One reviewer wrote: "Before watching this film I had no prior knowledge of it and no particular expectation. However, I found it engrossing and extremely realistic. It made me reflect on what being a soldier could be like, and I thought of my grandad, who fought in the First World War. Ultimately, I found it very moving."
Another added: "A gripping war drama, detailing the horrors of war. Great acting, great cinematography. Based on factual events, of which I didn't know about."
Netflix Success
With a budget of approximately €14 million, The Forgotten Battle is the second most expensive Dutch film ever made. It ranked among Netflix's all-time top 10 non-English language films, accumulating 60.93 million hours watched within 28 days of release. One reviewer described it as "like a really good book that you read from start to finish in one sitting," while another called it "terrific" and "gripping," noting the authenticity of scenes and dialogue.
The Forgotten Battle is available exclusively on Netflix, bringing the moving stories of the Battle of the Scheldt to life on screen.
