Black Book (Black Book (DVD))

Member Name: Macfarlane65

Product:	Black Book (DVD)
Date:	02/07/09 (3 review reads)
Rating:

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Paul Verhoeven is not noted for subtle films, and 'Black Book' is not a subtle film. It received variable reviews when it came out. I had high hopes of it - the subject matter is interesting, and I had heard the film was lively, which is true - but I was disappointed. It holds the interest, but it does not convince. The plot twists and turns, hinging really on the identity - or identities? - of the traitor(s) who inform against the Resistance - but there are two or three twists too many, and it is quite easy to pick holes in the plot. Without going into too many details, even a very careful analysis of what happened leaves unresolved questions - for example (for those who know the film), in view of his role in the plot, why did Ackermanns produce a gun when the German soldiers searched the train near the opening? And how was his safety assured at many subsequent moments? Having said that, the acting of the major roles is very good, particularly from Carice van Outen as Rachel/Ellie, and there are exciting sequences. However, I got tired of German soldiers bursting out of various hideouts just as the Resistance were about to succeed and the unrealistically long machine-gun battles in very enclosed spaces ; there was a gung-ho Boy's-Own-Paper kind of quality to some of it. But there were also a few genuine surprises and one or two effective quiet, reflective moments. A mixed bag, then - worth seeing once, but not twice.

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