A little-known Dutch war film is earning enthusiastic praise from viewers, with some even placing it alongside one of the most celebrated WWII movies ever made. Despite receiving far less attention than major Hollywood productions, The Forgotten Battle has impressed audiences with its realistic combat sequences, powerful performances and compelling account of a lesser-known chapter of World War II.
Released in 2020, the film revisits the 1944 Battle of the Scheldt, a crucial historical conflict that remains unfamiliar to many viewers. Directed by Matthijs van Heijningen Jr. and written by Paula van der Oest, the Dutch production brings together several intersecting stories to explore the human cost of war.
Its cast includes Gijs Blom, Jamie Flatters, Tom Felton, Susan Radder, Jan Bijvoet, Coen Bril, Theo Barklem-Biggs and Scott Reid, alongside a larger ensemble.
Three Lives Collide During a Forgotten Chapter of World War II
The story unfolds during the final years of the war, following three young people caught on different sides of the conflict: a Dutch soldier serving in the German army, a British glider pilot and a Dutch woman involved with the resistance.
Although their circumstances and loyalties are very different, their paths eventually intersect, forcing each of them to make decisions that will affect not only their own survival and freedom but also the lives of others.
By bringing these perspectives together, the film offers a broader examination of the Battle of the Scheldt and the difficult choices faced by ordinary people during wartime.
The production was also a major undertaking for Dutch cinema. With an estimated budget of approximately €14 million, it became the second-most expensive Dutch film ever made, behind the 2006 production Black Book (Zwartboek). It went on to earn around $6 million at the box office.
Critics and Audiences Praise Its Powerful War Sequences
One of the film’s biggest talking points is its reception on Rotten Tomatoes, where it currently holds a 100% Tomatometer score from eight critics’ reviews. Its audience score stands at 82%, based on more than 500 ratings.
Critics have highlighted its uncompromising depiction of combat, describing the experience as brutal, frightening and emotionally devastating. Others have praised its ability to deliver an impressive wartime epic while keeping the individual characters and their personal journeys at the centre of the story.
Audience reactions have been just as enthusiastic. Viewers have praised the film’s cinematography, acting and historical detail, particularly the way its different storylines gradually come together.
Some have singled out the battle sequences for their realism, with one viewer comparing their impact favourably to Saving Private Ryan. Others have described the production as worthy of major awards, highlighting its distinctive approach compared with conventional Hollywood war films.
Several viewers have also said they discovered the movie without knowing much about it beforehand, only to find themselves completely absorbed by its performances, visual storytelling and interconnected narratives.
A WWII Film Worth Discovering on Netflix
For viewers who enjoy historical war dramas but have not yet explored international cinema, The Forgotten Battle offers a compelling alternative to more familiar Hollywood productions.
Its combination of large-scale battle scenes, intimate character stories and an often-overlooked historical setting has helped it earn a devoted following. The film also brings attention to a significant WWII campaign that deserves a wider audience.
With its 100% critics’ score, impressive production scale and performances that have resonated with audiences, this Dutch drama is well worth adding to a war-film watchlist.
The Forgotten Battle is available to stream on Netflix.
