Review: Black Book (2006)

I often write reviews of films I don't like, and this has been particularly true in the last year when Hollywood rather consistently disappointed. One film that I didn't write a review for but enjoyed was Ides of March (2010), which seemed like an update of the classic Redford movie The Candidate, though the focus moved from the candidate to election staff. The film, while cynical at its core, provided a strong critique of the relationship between media and political operatives and the ways the struggle for power can undermine our ideals. In any case, I thought I would mention here a film from 2006 that I think demonstrates what movies can still do if they are effectively conceived and executed. That film, written and directed by Paul Verhoeven of Basic Instinct fame, follows the tragic exploits of Ellis de Vries (Carice van Houton) during World War II. 

Ellis is a Jew hiding in a Dutch home during the Nazi invasion who sees a chance at escape with her family after her hiding place is bombed by Nazis. Unfortunately, the escape is a ploy by Dutch agents to steal money and jewelry from rich Jews by murdering them after the boat embarks. Her entire family is killed on the journey though she escapes. Back in Holland, she becomes involved with the resistance, becoming the lover of a Nazi agent (played by the excellent Sebastian Koch The Lives of Others). A series of double-crosses ensue and she is ultimately implicated as a traitor after falling in love with the Nazi officer and assisting in his escape. The tale is one of survival and redemption, with Ellis using her guile and beauty to escape the clutches of those seeking to kill her. In the end, it is a beautifully rendered story centered on a female character that is a flawed hero who ends up finding hope in the wake of great tragedy. Ironically, one could argue it also challenges the charges often levied against Verhoeven of misogynist leanings, as really she is the only character redeemed in the end. But Verhoeven does demonstrate his continued acuity at strong narrative structure, heart-stomping suspense, complex character development and beautiful cinematography that really brings the moment alive. If you haven't seen this film, I highly recommend giving it a shot. A+