Numero 24

I have to admit, I'm not usually a big fan of Scandinavian movies. But when I saw Number 24 on Netflix today, I thought, "Why not give it a try?" I'm so glad I did!

The movie exceeded my expectations with its sharp dialogues, well-developed characters, and a hauntingly beautiful soundtrack. It felt like every detail was perfectly crafted.

As someone from Southern Europe, I don't know much about World War II in Scandinavia, but this film offered a fresh perspective. The cinematography was stunning, and the storytelling was so engaging.

It's a must-watch! I'd give it a solid 9/10. Bravo to the creators!

Another in a long line of movies about Resistance groups, and yes even Nazis have wives and children who love them, but the question posed by the young student has an easy answer: go talk to somebody who experienced the holocaust from the inside. Sadly the folks who need to see this movie, and ask themselves these questions, won't. The French, Norwegians, Danes, and Low Country citizens were entirely justified in their judgements and actions-and yes, so were the Russians. The real issue confronting the students, and the viewers of this movie, is: what side are you on, and what are you going to do if confronted by the kind of crisis that overwhelmed poor Norway? There's plenty of evidence that there were indeed many captive occupied people, and many "good Germans," who chose to keep their heads down. Fortunately, there are always a few of extraordinary courage and moral certainty. We just have to hope they're around when you need them.

This was surprisingly good! Seeing it was coming, I was like "Right, another movie that's only there to one-dimensionally worship a Norwegian war hero, so that we can feel like the good guys."

Well, for one thing, it's kind of hard to avoid with Sønsteby, as the facts show he _was_ a hero in a lot of ways. And yet he gets thoroughly challenged in the present-day part of the narrative. This provides important nuance. The Resistance reportedly killed 82 of their own countrymen. Maybe it's naive to think there was a good (enough) reason in each case.

This movie has at least 3 things going for it: First of all, suspenseful pacing - you're not bored for a second.

Second of all, the lead actors, especially for young Sønsteby. Sjur Vatne Brean. What a talent, and what perfect casting! It's ironic, because Sønsteby survived partly by being inconspicuous and in control of his emotions. However, that wouldn't work on the big screen. Brean is good-looking and charismatic, and an actor can't be stone-faced.

He is still very believable as a man of integrity and authority, while his face shows the toll it all takes on him.

You'd be forgiven for wondering if he ever considered dropping the sixpence - in the movie universe, all the Nazis really had to do was look for the only guy who wears a sixpence all the damn time! Inside and outside, in cafés, offices... In real life it was commonwear; in the movie I don't remember seeing anyone else wearing one!

Again, though, in a movie you have to establish the lead character. The silhouette with the sixpence is iconic. His trademark. If not every Norwegian instantly recognized it before this movie, they will now. And who knows, maybe it will become a symbol of resistance, freedom, and democracy again, in the times we might have ahead.

Third of all, the movie is smartly plotted, with a nice twist that ties back to the beginning, while at the same time touching on the movie's central theme. This sets it apart from the typical biopic or war movie.

It's nice to have someone and something to believe in, especially in our uneasy times. This movie reminded me of that. And the hero doesn't need to be perfect for that, just believable in his qualities.

Resistance in the face of tyranny is one of those topics that can make for truly great filmmaking, especially when the subject is timely (as many would contend it is currently). And the latest offering from director John Andreas Andersen serves up an inspiring and engaging tale in that vein. The film follows the experience of Norwegian resistance fighter Gunnar Sønsteby (1918-2012) (Sjur Vatne Brean) in his courageous efforts to take on Nazi invaders who took over his homeland during World War II. Working under the code name Number 24 with a band of longtime friends under the direction of British special forces and the Norwegian government in exile in the UK, Sønsteby coordinated and led an array of raids on German assets in Norway, often at great risk and tremendous personal cost. He also frequently found himself wrestling with his conscience, especially when it came to confronting fellow countrymen who had become Third Reich collaborators, including some individuals he knew personally. Sønsteby's heroic exploits are presented through a series of flashbacks delivered through a lecture given to students at his alma mater in which his elder self (Erik Hivju) details a variety of these wartime incidents and attempts to answer probing questions from young audience members seeking to understand his motivations and intents in carrying out this mission. The film thus examines the conflicted feelings that he and other peace-loving Norwegians had to contend with at a time when their lives, freedoms and national sovereignty were very much on the line. Andersen does a highly capable job in telling the story of this much-celebrated national hero, even if the narrative is somewhat episodic at times, particularly in picture's sometimes-meandering opening half hour. Nevertheless, "Number 24" effectively relates an aspect of World War II little known outside of Scandinavia, letting the world know of the bravery of a civil society that rose to the occasion when their liberty and autonomy were threatened in the face of brutal, unrelenting treachery. It's a lesson we should all take to heart, especially when these conditions loom and place us in a position of vulnerability. Indeed, we should all take heed of the message of this important cautionary tale.

Subtle, delicate, true Scandinavian style.

A touching real story, presented in a non cliché way.

Went for it on a random Friday night, with zero expectations, but ended up surprisingly engaged ever since the beginning, and eventually sobbing at the end of it.

Sjur Vatne Brean gives a compelling performance and I believe that he managed to embrace successfully the core of Gunnar Sønsteby's personality and show it on screen.

A breath a fresh air on the scene of WWII-themed movies. A must-watch for everyone interested in this part of modern history or just a fan of some good Scandinavian cinema.