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... more » 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.« less
Steve D. (Racepro) from LITHIA, FL Reviewed on 10/6/2011...
Excellent movie for the WWII History Fan.
This movie is very good depiction of how the underground infiltrated the Nazi War Machine, and the near death situations they dwelt with on a regular basis.
I highly recommend this movie!
4 of 4 member(s) found this review helpful.
Jean W. from JORDANVILLE, NY Reviewed on 9/23/2011...
an excellent WW2 movie...seems very real and shows the good even where you do you expect to find it.
2 of 3 member(s) found this review helpful.
Daniel A. (Daniel) from EUGENE, OR Reviewed on 2/8/2010...
Brilliant all the way! One of the few films on the subject that is genuinely exciting the entire way through. This had a few too many endings, but each one worked. Verhoeven's first great film.
4 of 4 member(s) found this review helpful.
Thomas A. from IMPERIAL, MO Reviewed on 8/21/2009...
I have studied the Second World War all my life and I have seen the Good, the Bad and the Ugly of films about this era. Black Book is easily one of the ten best films in its genre. It has it all-- suspense, combat, intrigue, pathos, humor-- filmed beautifully and starring Carice Van Houten (who was so wasted in the regrettable "Valkyrie"). Her singing numbers are like the icing on a wonderful cake. There are no sour notes among the rest of a very gifted cast. Paul Verhoeven is a superb director. If you have any interest at all in WWII, the Holocaust, Holland and the resistance, watch this film.