The Bombardment, a 2021 Danish-language war film streaming on Netflix, has left viewers 'wrecked' and 'emotional' with its portrayal of a tragic World War II bombing mission. The film, written and directed by Ole Bornedal, holds a flawless 100% rating on review aggregator site Rotten Tomatoes.
Based on a Tragic True Story
The film, also known as The Shadow in My Eye and Skyggen i mit øje, focuses on Operation Carthage, an air raid conducted by the Royal Air Force (RAF) in Copenhagen during the Second World War. During the raid, a school filled with children was tragically misidentified as a target and bombed.
The official synopsis states: "The fates of several Copenhagen residents collide when a WWII bombing mission accidentally targets a school full of children." The film arrived on Netflix in March 2022.
Critical and Audience Acclaim
The film features an ensemble cast including Alex Høgh Andersen, Fanny Bornedal, Ella Josephine Lund Nilsson, Ester Birch, Danica Curcic, Susse Wold, Bertram Bisgaard Enevoldsen, Malena Lucia Lodahl, Alban Lendorf, Caspar Phillipson, and Patricia Schumann.
One critic described the film as: "Haunting and visceral, Ole Bornedal's beautifully shot film stays in your mind well after it's over." Another reviewer added: "If you think you can handle the confronting subject matter, this is thoughtfully made and worth a watch."
Viewers Share Emotional Reactions
A third critic's assessment says: "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."
Viewers have been similarly moved, with one fan writing: "Excellent. I thought this film was going to be a slow burn, but I was completely wrong. From story line to the acting, everything about this movie blew me away." They added: "Such a tragic tale and the producers, directors, cast, made u feel like u were in the middle of it all. It's a heartbreaking, true story and you'll realize how much the innocent suffer during times of war. Don't miss this one! !"
Another audience review said: "Amazing Movie. I was transfixed from start to finish. Best movie I have seen in some time. 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."
Meanwhile, one viewer shared: "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."
The Bombardment is currently available to stream on Netflix.
