NR. 24

An amazing film for the beginning of Trump years, 2nd edition. Any great film needs a great theme and this one has it. The starkly black and white choice the activists among an invaded country like Norway feel between freedom--or death. This theme is ever-present in the unspoken fear and anxiety on the faces of all the **** film also has a solid script with a apparently true third act conflict which exposes the character of the most decorated Norwegian of WWII.Highly recommended by me.Also refreshing here is the absence of Tom Cruise Mission Impossible malarky, and all Hollywood/Bollywood malarky. Any yet it's not a documentary. A young girl in the present day portions provides a crucial yet realistic counterpoint in the third act.

An interesting biopic about a young man who chooses to resist an authoritarian invasion of his country by any means necessary, succeeding largely through his own wits, self-discipline and unremarkable-seeming persona.

Resistance in the face of tyranny is one of those topics that can make for truly great filmmaking, especially when the subject is timely (as many would contend it is currently). And the latest offering from director John Andreas Andersen serves up an inspiring and engaging tale in that vein. The film follows the experience of Norwegian resistance fighter Gunnar Sønsteby (1918-2012) (Sjur Vatne Brean) in his courageous efforts to take on **** invaders who took over his homeland during World War II. Working under the code name Number 24 with a band of longtime friends under the direction of British special forces and the Norwegian government in exile in the UK, Sønsteby coordinated and led an array of raids on German assets in Norway, often at great risk and tremendous personal cost. He also frequently found himself wrestling with his conscience, especially when it came to confronting fellow countrymen who had become Third Reich collaborators, including some individuals he knew personally. Sønsteby’s heroic exploits are presented through a series of flashbacks delivered through a lecture given to students at his alma mater in which his elder self (Erik Hivju) details a variety of these wartime incidents and attempts to answer probing questions from young audience members seeking to understand his motivations and intents in carrying out this mission. The film thus examines the conflicted feelings that he and other peace-loving Norwegians had to contend with at a time when their lives, freedoms and national sovereignty were very much on the line. Andersen does a highly capable job in telling the story of this much-celebrated national hero, even if the narrative is somewhat episodic at times, particularly in picture’s sometimes-meandering opening half hour. Nevertheless, “Number 24” effectively relates an aspect of World War II little known outside of Scandinavia, letting the world know of the bravery of a civil society that rose to the occasion when their liberty and autonomy were threatened in the face of brutal, unrelenting treachery. It’s a lesson we should all take to heart, especially when these conditions loom and place us in a position of vulnerability. Indeed, we should all take heed of the message of this important cautionary tale.

Filmado de forma muito convencional, o filme é mais uma história verídica sobre a segunda guerra mundial e seus personagens quase esquecidos, e aqui conta a história do líder da resistência em Oslo. Estava quase dormindo quando o filme, no terço final, finalmente começa: a resistência não apenas diz a que veio, ao finalmente confrontar os alemães em Oslo, mas também se permite discutir temas morais, como a morte de inocentes ou de conhecidos, e tudo isso seria a favor da liberdade mesmo? Ou até que ponto se está repetindo o modus operandi ****? A cena final soa quase como uma redenção, sem mostrar o teor do diálogo, deixando em aberto certos nós de forma bem eficiente.

An interesting film depicting a Norwegian saboteur during WWII. The acting is ok, but the direction is slow and the action is slightly remote and, as a result, a bit lifeless. It being based on truth however, makes up for its shortfalls. I’d probably watch it again, although not for a long time.