Stella's oorlog

I went to see this movie because I was curious to know what a Dutch movie would make of the current Dutch military mission in Afghanistan and PTSS. I was not disappointed! In fact, I was pleasantly surprised by both storyline and cinematography, and by the excellent acting skills displayed by most of the cast members. Unlike in many Dutch movies, the dialogues seemed entirely natural. Coupled with the fact that it is not only a great character study but also a riveting thriller, this makes it a definite must-see!

In addition, seeing the story of a group of soldiers home from Afghanistan made me realize how little the general public knows of what goes on there and what it's like to serve/fight in Uruzgan or to have a loved one in that situation. We can only hope as few real-life soldiers as possible suffer from traumas like the ones portrayed in this movie.

"Stella's oorlog" (= Dutch for "Stella's war"), deals with a moral dilemma a soldier can encounter when engaged in war.

Set in the very actuality of a Dutch Army combat group in Afghanistan, this well-made movie gradually works out its theme. When the final credits are shown, the viewer fully understands what happened in 2008 in Afghanistan. And how its moral implications affect the military participants.

"Stella's oorlog" is carried by its female lead Maartje Remmers, a renowned Dutch theater actress. She plays Stella, wife and sister of two soldiers involved.

This film is unusual by its theme, as well as by the honesty the theme is treated. Its plot strongly focuses on revealing the truth.