Customer Reviews
Very Surprising Bargain 
2008-10-28
Purchased DVD at blockbuster sale. Definitely a good deal. Other reviewers tell you the story, I'll just say that in my opinion it was a damn good movie, even tho some parts of it were tough to watch
Great movie on the Dutch Resistance during WWII 
2008-09-22
Darn good movie about a Jewish fugitive who's Family and friends are massacred in an ambush, while attempting to escape the Nazis to neutral territory. She ends up helping the Dutch Resistance getting "inside" the local Gestapo to spy, sabotage and derail their actions against the Resistance in 1944. Excellent story line and script continuity that keeps you interested, with no slowdown between scenes.
The Jewish woman Rachel Stein becomes Ellis De Vries and temps fate at nearly every corner, all the while, falling in love with the German Captain Meuntze; who is trying to reach a truce with the Resistance (unbeknownst to his Superiors). Barely escaping with her life, "The Resistance" still after her at war's end; thinking she had double-crossed them, contributing (wrongly) to the deaths of dozens of Jews and Dutch Resistance. With the "real collaborator" uncovered in the Black Book she happens upon, from one of the many Nazi collaborators as he's killed soon after the Allied Liberation.
Excellent acting from Carice Van Houten as Rachel Stein/Ellis De Vries, Thom Hoffman as Dr. Hans Aakermanns; one of the Resistance leaders (and turning out to be a Nazi Collaborator), Sebastian Koch as the German Captain Ludwig Muentze and superb Direction by Paul Verhoeven.
Darn, I'm really beginning to love these European films. Another good Dutch film is "May 6th" - (2004) Based on events surrounding the 2002 assassination of Pim Fortuyn.
Good watch! 2008-09-12
I am not one to watch non-English speaking shows, I actually bought this by mistake (did not read the details properly). But no regrets at all! An exciting story line, it gave me a feeling like one of those old classic WWII movies which I enjoy so much. But, keep it away from the kids, though (quite a bit of nudity).
Mesmerizing 2008-08-31
This film chronicles the Dutch resistance against Nazi aggression in WWII following a Jewish protagonist named Rachel Stein/Ellis de Vries. The decisions Rachel/Ellis must make to maintain her cover in some extremely difficult situations will make some viewers uncomfortable, but I challenge those who view BLACK BOOK to ask themselves what they would have done?
This is not in the same vein as SAVING PRIVATE RYAN or PATTON-there are gunshots here and there, but the blood and guts in this film are the consenquences that come with Rachel/Ellis's actions (wonderfully portrayed by Carice van Houten). Strong performances by the supporting players as well (particularly Sebastian Koch who played the Nazi Muntze). A fantastic film, 4.5 stars!
Stunning! 2008-07-21
Don't be put off by sub titles - this is one of the best films I've ever seen
A must see movie1 2008-07-21
In the darkest days of World War II, Jewish fugitives attempt to escape occupied Holland – only to face a Nazi ambush. Rachel Stein (Carice van Houten) alone survives the attack and joins the Dutch Resistance to avenge her family. She soon confronts the ultimate test: she must infiltrate German headquarters by tempting Captain Ludwig Mÿntze (Sebastian Hoch). In the heat of passion, he uncovers her duplicity...but keeps her secret. Then Rachel's espionage reveals that a murderous traitor lurks within Resistance ranks. Unable to fully trust anyone, Rachel navigates a minefield of deception and becomes an enemy to both sides. Epic, passionate, breathtaking,
Black Book relates an untold story of World War II where the distinctions between good and evil become blurred by the complexities of human nature.
A dutch movie missing something.....still, it's a pretty good movie 2008-07-17
A movie about WWII.The movie is almost very well made.I'm not sure, but it's just a feeling that remains with you after you watched it.
World War II story based on real facts... Don't miss it!!! 2008-07-13
World War II movies never cease to capture our interest as they demonstrate the worst of man-kind and this movie is simply riveting. Black Book is about a woman forced to live the horror of seeing her entire family murdered and yet continue to struggle for life and survival in Nazi occupied Holland.
At the beginning of the film we see Rachel Stein, beautifully played by Carise Von Houten, our heroin, living with a gentile family on a farm. An allied force plane unloads its bombs to gain altitude and by mistake they destroy her refuge. This forces her to start a journey to The Hague, and she visits her family's attorney who disburses money and jewels that will help her survive for at least a year.
Unfortunately, a group of Jews she joins is part of a Nazi ambush, and she witnesses the death of her entire family as the Gestapo not only kills but then steals all the possessions of the victims. She does get the chance to see the face of the man in charge... something she shall never forget.
To cover her true identity she transforms into a blonde singer by the name of Ellis de Vries and infiltrates Gestapo headquarters as part of the resistance force.
The film has many cliffhangers and on a train ride, with the Gestapo requesting papers from all passengers, she shares the cabin with the head of the SS, Captain Müntze, superbly played by Sebastian Koch, and he soon falls for her lively beauty. Many spell binding situations unfold and we realize that there must be a traitor amongst the resistance because they are uncovered at every turn, but we never know the true identity of the traitor. The story is complex but a clear reminder of the danger of war. Don't miss this film; it is without a doubt... magnificent!
Good Movie 2008-07-04
I thought this was a pretty good movie. I wont go into a plot synopsis as many of the other reviewers here did that. The pacing at the beginning of the movie seemed to move a little slow but it picked up as the movie went along. Towards the end of the movie, I couldn't stop watching it as I was curious what was going to happen next.
One of the things I did like about this movie was how it portrayed some of the Dutch as collaborating with the Nazis. It's pretty rare to see that in a movie. IT is even rarer to see what happens to the those folks after the liberation.
Very Disappointed 
2008-06-18
I am very disappointed in this production as the English sub-titles are very limited and it's not possible to follow the story. We had seen it in the movie theatres where the sub-titles completely covered the story, but this is not so on the product we bought. It's an excellent story, but unless the viewer can understand Hollance, it is extremely frustrating to try and grasp what is going on.
