WINTER IN WARTIME – The Review

Most adults would concur with the old adage that war is hell. However for many children caught up in these conflicts, war is…fun. Or at the very least a thrilling, magical playground. This view concerning World War II has been explored in films such as John Boorman’s HOPE AND GLORY and Steven Spielberg’s EMPIRE OF THE SUN. While these films showed the war’s impact on children in England and China, Martin Koolhoven’s WINTER IN WARTIME looks at that conflict through the eyes of the children of Holland. Many films have portrayed Nazi occupation in central Europe and France. In this new film we see how the Axis troops take over a small Dutch village in 1945.

Michiel lives in that small Dutch village with his father ( the mayor ) and his older sister and mother who work at the town hospital. He’s fascinated by all aspects of the military and his bedroom is decorated with bits of discarded weaponry and uniforms. Late one night he sees a flaming British fighter plane pass over the house toward a wooded area. A German officer on patrol comes across the wreckage and it’s occupant. Before he can alert others he’s shot and killed by the pilot ( whose parachute has him dangling from a tree top ). Soon Michiel and his best buddy pedal over to the downed aircraft, and get past the barricades. The German guards spy them picking through the wreckage and chase them into the town. Michiel is grabbed and taken to the office of the Nazi command. His father pleads with the officer and takes Michiel home. Dad tells him to not make any trouble. They pass a merchant who is collaborating with the Germans while others attempt an organized resistance. An older neighbor gives Michiel an envelope to give the bicycle repair man in case the neighbor is arrested. Sure enough the neighbor is taken in and Michiel rushes into town for the delivery. Unfortunately the recipient is gunned down by soldiers as Michiel watches in horror. He then opens the envelope that has directions to an area in the woods outside town. There he comes across a hidden underground shelter and the wounded British pilot. Michiel tends to his wound and brings food and drink to him. Can he keep the soldier hidden until he can be smuggled out of the country? Should he reveal his secret to others? Maybe his visiting Uncle Ben who has ties to the underground resistance can help. There’s a lot resting on Michiel’s young shoulders.

Koolhoven gives us a compelling look at this quaint little town that’s been torn apart by the invading forces. The rebels and appeasers are constantly at each others’ throats. This is all witnessed by Michiel. Martijn Lakemeier gives a powerful performance as a boy forced to grow up quickly and handle adult responsibilities. Jamie Campbell Bower ( from the Twilight and Harry Potter films ) gives a great English language performance as the war weary pilot that’s not much older than Michiel. The movie’s heartbreaking and suspenseful while still showing the warmth and humor of this close knit family. This is a fresh approach to the impact of World War II on families and especially on young people whose fantasies of noble battle are quickly shattered.

Overall Rating: Four out of Five Stars