Netflix war film has been dubbed an 'excellent' watch, earning acclaim from viewers who compare it to cinema classics. War film fans appear particularly passionate about this drama, ranking it alongside classics such as Saving Private Ryan, despite it receiving relatively little attention.
Plot and Setting
Released in 2020, the Dutch production, helmed by Matthijs van Heijningen Jr., chronicles the Battle of the Scheldt in 1944, an overlooked conflict frequently omitted from historical accounts. It comprised a series of military operations designed to open the Scheldt River, enabling shipping routes between Antwerp and the North Sea.
The Forgotten Battle tracks a Dutch Axis soldier, a British glider pilot and a New Zealand resistance fighter, all caught up in the military campaign. The narrative interweaves these three perspectives as the young characters' paths converge on the flooded island of Walcheren. These people form the emotional core of the film, with their decisions determining not only their own destinies but also the liberty of those surrounding them, bearing the enormous weight of that responsibility. It places substantial emphasis on the savagery of combat and the profound impact these events had on the war's conclusion.
Cast and Reception
Susan Radder portrays Teuntje Visser in the production, while Gijs Blom takes on the role of Marinus van Staveren opposite Jamie Flatters as William Sinclair. Perhaps most recognisably, British actor Tom Felton, famed for portraying Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter franchise, appears as Lieutenant Tony Turner.
A viewer took to Rotten Tomatoes to share their verdict, writing: "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 fan wrote: "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
Released exclusively on Netflix, the film carried a budget of approximately €14 million, making it the second most expensive Dutch production ever undertaken. It appears the investment was well worthwhile, as upon its release, The Forgotten Battle ranked amongst Netflix's all-time top 10 non-English language films, and clocked up 60.93 million hours watched within just 28 days of landing on the streaming platform.
One reviewer claimed to have been "intrigued" from the very opening moments, describing it as "like a really good book that you read from start to finish in one sitting". Meanwhile, another dubbed it "terrific" and "gripping", drawing particular attention to how authentic both the scenes and dialogue felt throughout.
To witness the powerful stories of the Battle of the Scheldt brought vividly to life, The Forgotten Battle is available to stream exclusively on Netflix right now.
