9. april

I had to laugh at some of the reviews here (bikes against tanks, etc.). Almost every European army (including the Germans) had cyclist companies or battalions. The infantry divisions at the beginning of the war had to go on foot, so the bikes were a huge advantage for fast movement. Anyway, back to the movie. I enjoyed it. I appreciate the fact that the Danish creators didn’t try to aggrandize the soldiers (the Americans and Russians should learn from them), so the whole film seemed extremely authentic to me. I was also happy to see great shots of the Pzkpfw II and SdKfz 222/223, and the oppressive atmosphere full of helplessness was excellent. Unlike many war blockbusters, it was really well done. (23.10.2019)

A properly told military drama from WW2, once again from a slightly different perspective. This time from the point ofview of a Danish soldier. For instance, you will find out that the infantry wasn’t supported by the tank division, but at least they learnt how to change the tube on a bicycle in half a minute. One can hardly be surprised then that the Germans sliced Europe in half at the beginning of the war with their Blitzkrieg as easily as a blunt knife would cut a stick of butter that had been lying in the sun for half an hour. Seems Europe was simply there for the taking. Apart from this discovery, the movie offers a good deal of Danish pride, which is reflected also in the final scene. That’s nothing new on the face of the earth, but it proves that even European cinematography can make a good war movie. (20.09.2016)