Rent Soldier of Orange (1977)

A different angle - Soldier of Orange review by CP Customer

This was a very different film for the average war-film enthusiast. It shows quite another take on the liberal society which is Holland and is very convincing in its depiction of the way individuals can slip so easily in the required way of thinking, i.e anti-semitic, anti-gay. The acting is superbly under played and is a refreshing change from the gung-ho or sentimental which prevails films of violence today. The portrayal of the British in this Dutch language film was interesting and very realistic. Needless to say the direction and filmscript were superb.

Interesting Dutch War Drama - Soldier of Orange review by GI

A powerful and gripping Second World War drama and one of the best films about resistance fighters. It's based on a true story and memoir although the names have been changed and some characters condensed. It's also one of director Paul Verhoeven's more interesting Dutch films and if you only know his work from his famous USA made films like Robocop (1987) and Total Recall (1990) then this will be a real treat. Set in Holland the story follows a group of university friends who find their education cut short as the Germans invade. Each of them gets mixed up in different ways with the resistance until, as the war progresses, some of them escape to England for training and are then sent back on covert missions. The story mostly follows Erik (Rutger Hauer), who is at first reluctant to get involved believing the war will end quickly but as friends are killed he soon becomes embroiled in the conflict until he finally gets to England. The film is a gritty and realistic story with some splashes of violence but there's also love and above all friendship. This is the main theme of the film as it's a story of loyalty and honour and shows how close friends were forced to take different paths during the war. Susan Penhaligon and Edward Fox have supporting roles in what is a first class war film that you should check out if you've never seen this.

Dutch Courage - Soldier of Orange review by Steve

This account of the Dutch resistance to the German invasion of May, 1940 is a big deal in the Netherlands where it usually appears near the top of public polls. It doesn't tell us anything new; there is a familiar run through scenes of brutal Gestapo interrogation and the incredible bravery of the homeland fighters. But it is their national story.

It is presented as a war thriller, but really it's more interesting for the history; this is reportage. Like the rest of Europe, the Dutch are complacent and unprepared for war. Surrender takes only four days, the country is slow to respond to the new reality. There is widespread collaboration and the Nazi response to infraction is grotesque.

So who can you trust? The events- based on a memoir- are told via the diverse experiences of six college students, mainly Rutger Hauer as a debonaire dandy who fights the Nazis in a dinner jacket, like a Dutch Roger Moore, and then joins the RAF. He gives the film some welcome charisma. And it's competently directed by Paul Verhoeven.

There are moments of graphic violence and female nudity, though not excessive by present standards. The Dutch sense of humour doesn't translate well and making the heroes such wealthy jocks seems an odd choice. But it's still compelling because the formula is so durable. And at least we are certain to get a happy ending.