A little-known war film on Netflix is being hailed as an 'exceptional masterpiece' rivalling the likes of Saving Private Ryan, and the vast majority of people have probably never come across it.
The True Story Behind the Film
The underappreciated gem is rooted in a tragic and obscure true event from the Second World War, with audiences declaring it the 'best war film of all time'. The war drama draws from the true story of Operation Carthage, a devastating and harrowing World War Two incident in which a British Royal Air Force raid on March 21, 1945, resulted in the accidental bombing of the French-Danish Jeanne d'Arc School in Copenhagen, Denmark. The raid claimed 123 civilian lives, among them 87 schoolchildren and 18 adults who were present at the school.
The Bombardment: A Danish Masterpiece
The Bombardment, also known as The Shadow in My Eye and originally titled Skyggen i mit øje, is a 2021 Danish war drama that has left viewers 'literally sobbing'. The film initially premiered in Denmark in 2021 before its distribution rights were acquired by Netflix, which welcomed the war drama into its catalogue in March 2022. Written and directed by Ole Bornedal, The Bombardment has transfixed audiences from the 'very first frame', with viewers unable to stop heaping praise upon its brilliance.
Cast and Critical Acclaim
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.'
Boasting a flawless 100% critics approval rating and a 90% audience approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, The Bombardment has garnered widespread acclaim from every corner. 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 noted: '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.'
Audience Reactions
Audiences were equally enthralled by 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 fan 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 admirer of the film said: '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.'
Another review added: '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.'
A particularly heartfelt review from a viewer reads: '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.
