Many years ago, I knew a Dutch cinematographer who had been a boy in Amsterdam during World War II, and had suffered through the German occupation. He sometimes told stories of the war's final winter, 1944-45, and the horrors that visited the Dutch people. "Winter in Wartime," which opens today, recalls those days in the midst of a tense, solidly made coming-of-age story.
Based on a 1972 novel by Jan Terlouw, with a screenplay by Paul Jan Nelissen and Martin Koolhoven, who directed, the story revolves around 13-year-old Michiel (Martijn Lakemeier), son of the town mayor. Of course, he is furious with his father, who works diligently to protect the townspeople from German tactics, but who is seen as a collaborator by the boy. Raymond Thirty is excellent in the role, hating every minute of his obeisance to the Germans, but realizing the necessity and knowing he is actually saving lives. His brother, Michiel's Uncle Ben, works in the Underground and, of course, is idolized by the boy.
Michiel's dream comes true when a Royal Air Force plane is shot down and its pilot, Jack (Jamie Campbell Bower) is hidden in a cave near the town by a friend and the friend's older brother. Michiel gets involved delivering food to the pilot and in spiriting his sister, Erica (Melody Klaver) to the hideout so that she, a nurse, can help with his injuries.
Edginess between townspeople and the Germans grows as the German troops begin to realize that the war is not going well. Reprisals are harsh.
Michiel, his friend and his sister work on helping Jack escape across a nearby river to freedom as the Germans try to intercept them, and Koolhoven is first-rate at building tension as German trucks, jeeps and motorcycles patrol the country roads. They're not shown as being very bright, of course, but the Dutch have long memories. A well-paced, taut movie.
Winter in Wartime opens today at the Plaza Frontenac.
—Joe