World War 2

An emotional war movie streaming on Netflix has been hailed a ‘masterpiece’ by viewers who have compared the ‘heartbreaking’ and ‘fantastic’ gem to Schindler’s List.

When it comes to truly powerful war films, one title currently streaming on Netflix has left viewers absolutely floored, with many unable to get past its ‘haunting’ and ‘visceral’ portrayal of a combat drama rooted in devastating true events from the Second World War.

Audiences are declaring the film will ‘stay in your mind well after it’s over’ – and the most gut-wrenching element is that it’s grounded in little-known real events from World War II. Some viewers argue that’s precisely what makes it far more hard-hitting than other war films of its kind.

The Bombardment, also known as The Shadow in My Eye and Skyggen i mit øje, is a 2021 Danish-language war film written and directed by Ole Bornedal.

The ‘brilliant’ war drama has absolutely ‘wrecked’ viewers emotionally, focusing on Operation Carthage – an air raid carried out by the Royal Air Force (RAF) in Copenhagen during the Second World War – in which a school packed with children was tragically misidentified as a target and bombed.

The film’s official plot states: “The fates of several Copenhagen residents collide when a WWII bombing mission accidentally targets a school full of children.”

The Bombardment stars Alex Høgh Andersen, Fanny Bornedal, Ella Josephine Lund Nilsson, Ester Birch, Danica uri, Susse Wold, Bertram Bisgaard Enevoldsen, Malena Lucia Lodahl, Alban Lendorf, Caspar Phillipson, and Patricia Schumann alongside a larger ensemble cast, reports the Express.

Boasting a flawless 100% rating on review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, the film landed on Netflix in March 2022 and has since garnered rave reviews from critics and audiences alike.

One critic said of the war drama: “By showing us the people caught at the crossroads of beginnings and endings, this film becomes a timely nod to a difficult truth.”

Another reviewer stated: “While The Bombardment struggles to figure how to lay the foundation for the larger narrative of the film…this terrible tragedy is not for the faint of heart, but the story deserves to be told, and the impact of the lives lost should never be forgotten.”

Yet another critic added: “The Bombardment is a little unwieldy, but it’s reverential to its tragic central subject and buoyed by the work of some fine young actors.”

Viewers have been similarly transfixed, with one fan comparing it to Schindler’s List: “Wow……just Wow. I hope this won some really high award in Europe because it blew me away. What’s worse, is that this is a true story. This was as intense as Schindler’s List. This is a very serious film about a horrendous mistake when Britain bombed a Gestapo building in Denmark, but mostly hit a large school instead.”

Another viewer said: “Absolutely fantastic, heart breaking, intense all wrapped in one, amazing directing and even at the ending, moments stay in you’re mind. Great actors/actresses. Well portrayed 5 stars.”

Meanwhile, one fan called it a ‘masterpiece’: “Masterpiece. Very sad to see, but this was done so well. Acting on the spot, cinematography brilliant, you get sucked into the action and just brilliant. Very very tragic story, be warned this is hard to swallow…”

Another viewer said: “The Bombardment is a cinematic tour de force. It’s an emotional journey that simultaneously disturbs and inspires, showcasing the strength and resilience of the human spirit amidst the chaos of war. This film is more than just entertainment; it’s an important exploration of humanity in its darkest and brightest moments.”

The Bombardment is currently available to stream on Netflix.

The idyllic town features traditional Scandinavian architecture and breathtaking scenery

Lerwick, located on the Shetland Islands in Scotland, is frequently dubbed “Little Norway” thanks to its historical connections with the Scandinavian nation. The town remained under the Kingdom of Norway until 1469, with the name “Lerwick” translating to “bay of clay” in Norwegian.

During World War 2, Lerwick functioned as a crucial base for the “Shetland bus – Little Norway” operation, with small Norwegian fishing vessels docking in the town to carry out secret missions and evacuate refugees fleeing Nazi-occupied Norway. Lerwick resembles Norwegian coastal towns, showcasing traditional Scandinavian architecture and red timber-framed houses.

Lerwick is a charming, scenic town and an ideal winter destination for those seeking authentic Norwegian landscapes without venturing abroad.

On Facebook, some visitors said that “the landscape looks much more like Norway than Scotland”.

Another visitor said on Tripadvisor that Lerwick has “numerous fascinating buildings including old warehouses which go right down to the edge of the water”.

Another one commented that Shetland is “a fantastic set of islands with wonderful scenery”. And a third one added: “Shetland is wonderful. It’s all about scenery. Along with Orkney, it has a completely different feel to the rest of Scotland with its Norse heritage. (They both belonged to Norway until 1472.) The Shetland Museum in Lerwick is excellent.”

According to Shetland’s official website, there’s plenty to do in the town, and it’s ideal to discover on foot.

“Lerwick is a stunning town full of history and beautiful buildings, all telling a story. Some of the most interesting buildings are the Lodberries overlooking Lerwick Harbour.

“Lerwick offers many opportunities for beautiful walks, exploring fascinating historical attractions and enjoying fun family activities.”

Other gorgeous UK towns that look like famous European destinations include Lynmouth, often nicknamed “Little Switzerland” due to its scenic beauty.

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It tells the remarkable true story of a resistance hero and his courage in the face of terror during World War Two

There is no shortage of films about the Second World War, but this “masterpiece”, now streaming on Netflix, tells the long-forgotten tale of one man’s extraordinary bravery in the face of unimaginable terror.

The Norwegian film draws on the real-life experiences of resistance fighter Gunnar Sønsteby during the conflict. Starring Sjur Vatne Brean in the lead role and helmed by director John Andreas Andersen, Number 24 charts Sønsteby’s journey from 1940 through to the end of the Second World War.

Taking its title from Sønsteby’s most frequently used code name, Number 24 delves into how the Oslo Group carried out sabotage operations and assassinations throughout the war. The film is narrated by an elderly Sønsteby as he recounts his remarkable experiences to a group of students.

Both film fans and critics alike are utterly captivated by this raw and gritty war film, which currently holds a perfect score on the film review site Rotten Tomatoes.

One critic wrote: “Based on the real-life story of Norwegian hero Gunnar Sønsteby, director John Andreas Andersen delivers a gripping, often violent thriller that highlights the best and worst of humankind.”, reports Wales Online.

Another said: “This biopic about Gunnar Sønsteby, the most highly decorated citizen in Norway, explores the moral grey areas during war under brutal invading forces. Switching between the past and the present, the film sensitively contrasts justice and necessity.”

Meanwhile a third added: “The director crafts a mostly patriotic picture of a man solely dedicated to duty. It’s an uncompromising approach that often makes for a stirring watch even through a narrow lens.”

Fans were equally effusive in their praise. One wrote: “The lead actor is phenomenal. As a man of laser focus and few words, Gunnar commands the screen through the smallest, most restrained expressions and every one of them lands. It’s a masterclass in subtlety, and he delivers a gripping, believable performance.”

Another said: “Well worth watching! Makes me want to go and learn more about this incredible person. You will need a tissue at the ending. You will also need to use your pause button to read the subtitles at the end – they do contain useful information.”

While a third contributed: “Important WWII story of resistance in Norway. Thought provoking and moving. Different points of view from being in different positions when war comes into your life, your family and your country.”

And another wrote: “WOW! WOW! ! . Fantastic in every way My wife and I loved this. So realistic and well acted, directed,etc. Watch,enjoy and respect the Norwegian patriots.”

Number 24 is streaming now on Netflix.