Netflix UK has added the gritty World War Two action-thriller 'Blood and Gold' to its library. Released in 2023, the German-language film blends bullets, black humour, and blood-soaked chaos with the swagger of a spaghetti western.
Set in the twilight days of WWII, the story follows Heinrich (Robert Maaser), a weary German deserter who only wants to return home alive. He becomes entangled with a ruthless SS unit hunting for hidden gold, and forms an unlikely alliance with Elsa (Marie Hacke), a sharp-tongued fighter defending her village.
Director Peter Thorwarth infuses the film with a dusty, sun-drenched style reminiscent of Sergio Leone's classic westerns. The 110-minute film is grimy, frantic, and visually bold, earning an 85% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Critics have praised the film: one called it 'splendid', another said 'So much fun! Great score, cinematography, acting', while a viewer noted it's 'full of action and has a great plot'. The film does not aim for complete historical accuracy, but is seen as a fun 'what if' scenario.
For those seeking more WWII drama, Netflix also offers 'Narvik', a Norwegian historical drama about the 1940 Battle of Narvik, which holds a perfect 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
