The Reckoning: Remembering the Dutch Resistance is a powerful documentary that explores the events of World War II and the role that the Dutch Resistance played in fighting against the Nazi occupation of their country. The film follows the story of Diet Eman, a young Dutch woman who joined the Resistance at great personal risk, and who later immigrated to the United States to start a new life.
Narrated by Academy Award-winning actress Anjelica Huston, the film opens with a series of stunning aerial shots of The Netherlands. As the camera flies over the picturesque landscapes, we are reminded of the beauty of this small country and the ordinary people who lived there â people who would later be called upon to do extraordinary things.
We are then introduced to Diet Eman, who speaks candidly about her early years, growing up in a loving family with dreams of becoming a writer. But those dreams were shattered when the Nazis invaded her country in 1940. Diet recalls the fear and confusion of those early days, as the Dutch people struggled to understand what was happening and figure out how to resist the occupiers.
Through Diet's eyes, we are taken on a harrowing journey through the war years, as she and her fellow Resistance fighters risked their lives to smuggle Jews and others out of the country, gather intelligence for the Allied forces, and carry out acts of sabotage against the Germans. The documentary includes rare footage from the time, as well as interviews with other Resistance members and historians who provide context and insight into the events of the war.
One of the most striking aspects of The Reckoning is the way in which it portrays the human cost of the Resistance. Diet speaks movingly about the friends and companions she lost, and the toll that years of living underground took on her own psyche. She shares stories of close calls with the Gestapo, and of the constant fear that permeated every aspect of daily life. We also hear from surviving family members of those who gave their lives for the Resistance, and from Dutch citizens who lived through those dark days.
But the film also celebrates the courage and resilience of those who fought back against tyranny. We see images of Resistance fighters marching in the streets, banners flying, and hear stories of ordinary people who risked everything to help their fellow citizens. The Reckoning acknowledges the sacrifices made by these brave individuals, and reminds us of the importance of standing up for what we believe in, even in the face of overwhelming odds.
As the film draws to a close, Diet reflects on her experiences and what they have taught her about the human spirit. She shares her hope that future generations will learn from the mistakes of the past, and work to build a world free from hate and oppression. The Reckoning is a poignant and powerful tribute to the men and women of the Dutch Resistance, and a reminder of the importance of resistance in the face of evil.
In conclusion, The Reckoning: Remembering the Dutch Resistance is a must-watch for anyone interested in World War II history and the role of resistance in fighting against oppression. Through the nuanced storytelling of Diet Eman and other resistance fighters, the film is able to convey the fear, the bravery, and the ultimate sacrifice that these individuals made. It is also a testament to the power of the human spirit, and a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is hope.
The Reckoning: Remembering the Dutch Resistance is a 2007 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes.
It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1.
