De vuurlinie

The movie starts a bit slow but a lot of recognition, to the end the events brought tears to my eyes. Every veteran has a story to tell, even if it is a very sad one, take the time to listen. For a Dutch movie, no Hollywood budget, it was pretty good, actors did a great job too. Although the movie is based on facts, fiction was added for the screen, I still think it is very realistic story. When a soldier comes home after a mission, the mission at home starts and it effects everyone in the family. Remember that next time you meet a veteran that has served his country, they have seen and been through things no one should see or go through.

"Kudos to the Dutch film industry! This film, despite its limited budget, stands out with its thrilling action sequences and stunning, true-to-life visuals. The action scenes are pulse-pounding and expertly choreographed, keeping you on the edge of your seat throughout. The use of practical effects and real locations adds a level of authenticity that's often missing in big-budget blockbusters. It's a testament to the skill of the filmmakers that they've created such a visually impressive and action-packed movie without breaking the bank. If you're a fan of action films, this one is a must-see."

With relatively low budget, compared to bigger Hollywood productions, it's amazing to see what Roel Reiné pulled off as the movie director.

The storyline is interesting: going from the warzone, to back home with his family, into the court where he was tried (these three locations are the corner stones of this story).

It's a new take for a Dutch movie to have a strong focus on the PTSS diagnosis where main character Marco Kroon has to deal with after returning home from Afghanistan, and how it affects all around him.

The movie gave insight into the live of a veteran and caught my attention for two full hours.

Maybe the the real Marco Kroon may have done things in live that should not have happened but the context of the movie helps to understand more of it. As this was a movie (not a real documentary), it remains unclear as to what really happened and what is pure fiction. For me this was unimportant, I've tried to see the bigger picture here for veterans in general. And I believe the movie enables you to do so.

I'd give this more than a ten. At least a twenty.

I do have to provide 600 characters to display my feelings about the character of the main role in this story: Marco.

I can keep it short.

To me it was prevention.

In that sense for me Marco fully earns the medal.

Still, this is possibly not why it was justified by our government to honor Marco.

The honor why he fully earns it - for what it's worth - is at a totally different level.

As such, it's beyond honor, which explains to me the expression by his wife at the start of the movie before the titles: "Het is gewoon een gek feestje" ("It's just a silly party") and little later "Het is maar een medaille hè. Het stelt niet zoveel voor" ("It's just a medal, huh? It poses not so much.").

What do you feel & think? Was it revenge, rebellion or prevention?

Furthermore, I cannot imagine that our Chief of Defense at that time would use such a disparaging tone to Marcos's wife about her husband.

I therefore find it disrespectful that this is depicted this way in the movie and more importantly, completely contradictory to the development of the relationship of this Chief of Defense and Marco.

That will be one of the major fictions in this movie.

So, even a twenty has a negative aspect.

It's an inside story on the things the Dutch Special forces did in Afghanistan. And the life of Marco Kroon after his deployment. Included the accusations about drug usage and selling. And the relation with his wife. And what effect the deployment had on his family as a whole. Very well made movie. And good acting. The movie is based on two of the books Marco Kroon wrote. For every ex-military a must see. And also for people who are interested what could happen in Afghanistan or on other military mission around the world. Seen in my local VUE movie theater on the biggest screen available. Go see it!