Netflix's historical World War II drama 'The Forgotten Battle' has become a massive hit for the streaming giant, racking up over 60 million hours watched, and fans are calling it one of the best war films ever made.
Critical Acclaim and Fan Praise
The film holds a perfect 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with viewers comparing it to classics like 'Saving Private Ryan'. One fan described it as 'gripping' and 'Oscar-worthy', while another said it was 'engrossing and extremely realistic'.
Plot and Characters
Released in 2020, the Dutch production directed by Matthijs van Heijningen Jr. recounts the Battle of the Scheldt in 1944, a largely forgotten conflict. The story follows a Dutch Axis soldier, a British glider pilot, and a New Zealand resistance woman whose paths converge on the island of Walcheren. The film stars Susan Radder, Gijs Blom, Jamie Flatters, and Tom Felton, best known for his role as Draco Malfoy in Harry Potter.
Box Office Success
With a budget of approximately €14 million, it became the second most expensive Dutch film ever produced. Within 28 days of release, it ranked among Netflix's all-time top 10 non-English language films, accumulating 60.93 million hours watched.
Viewers have praised the film's authenticity and emotional depth. One reviewer noted it 'made me reflect on what being a soldier could be like' and found it 'very moving'. Another called it 'a gripping war drama, detailing the horrors of war' with 'great acting and great cinematography'.
'The Forgotten Battle' is available to stream exclusively on Netflix.
