33 reviews
Definitely better than I had expected going in. A tense period piece with the war as a distant background and the cat and mouse game of the Wehrmacht security forces and their collaborators against Dutch resistance fighters in the foreground.
The way Riphagen, a criminal who makes the best of the situation, plays his victims and his enemies is like watching a snake curling its way through a buffalo stampede of self-righteous characters and thoroughly enjoyable.
Especially interesting is the fast pace that allows for a second half that shows how the approaching end of the war unleashed a whirlwind of internally divided Dutch nationalism that started lashing out against anyone deemed a collaborator and was already preparing for the fight against the communists.
The way Riphagen, a criminal who makes the best of the situation, plays his victims and his enemies is like watching a snake curling its way through a buffalo stampede of self-righteous characters and thoroughly enjoyable.
Especially interesting is the fast pace that allows for a second half that shows how the approaching end of the war unleashed a whirlwind of internally divided Dutch nationalism that started lashing out against anyone deemed a collaborator and was already preparing for the fight against the communists.
- marcnicolai-77775
- Sep 22, 2016
- Permalink
This movie tells the story of the infamous Dries Riphagen, a WWII collaborator and criminal mastermind. It is based on a true story. Even if you have no prior knowledge on Riphagen, this movie can be recommended for its cheer suspense, drama and historical relevance.
- Matty_Movie
- Sep 23, 2018
- Permalink
War makes beasts of men. Not that Dries Riphagen was much of a human being to start with.
This is a wartime film that tells the story of Nazi collaborator Dries Riphagen. An underworld figure, who saw his opportunity for personal gain when the German's invade and occupy the Netherlands during WWII.
Whats especially horrid about Riphagens activities, aside from his betrayal of Jews hiding from the Nazi's and resistance groups, is how he compels innocent people to become complicit in his barbarity.
This is an excellent film.Its well acted and directed, with a matter of fact style. It does not moralize nor does it indulge in sentiment. As a result, for me at least, its emotional impact is heightened. Its a hard, hard watch at times and whats especially galling, is this indecent man, evades post wartime punishment, escaping to Argentina.
Riphagen has subtitles but really, this is no obstacle. This is a compelling, if horrifying watch, that offers an insight into how war corrupts the human spirit. Eight out of ten from me.
This is a wartime film that tells the story of Nazi collaborator Dries Riphagen. An underworld figure, who saw his opportunity for personal gain when the German's invade and occupy the Netherlands during WWII.
Whats especially horrid about Riphagens activities, aside from his betrayal of Jews hiding from the Nazi's and resistance groups, is how he compels innocent people to become complicit in his barbarity.
This is an excellent film.Its well acted and directed, with a matter of fact style. It does not moralize nor does it indulge in sentiment. As a result, for me at least, its emotional impact is heightened. Its a hard, hard watch at times and whats especially galling, is this indecent man, evades post wartime punishment, escaping to Argentina.
Riphagen has subtitles but really, this is no obstacle. This is a compelling, if horrifying watch, that offers an insight into how war corrupts the human spirit. Eight out of ten from me.
Another well done movie on Netflix about the the Nazi occupation in the Netherlands at the end of the Second World War.
The story is based on true events and for this reason worth seeing. It was never boring and I saw again outstanding performances from all the actors. Especially Jeroen van Koningsbrugge in Riphagens role impressed me a lot and makes me hungry watching him in other films.
If you like drama war genre check out the other dutch top production Bankier van het Verzet. 7/10.
- Luigi Di Pilla
- Jan 7, 2019
- Permalink
- RosanaBotafogo
- Mar 17, 2021
- Permalink
Especially Van Koningsbrugge's "Amsterdamse toffe jongen (cool guy)" act felt completely out of place for this type of movie and time.
It did not feel like a WW2 time piece at all.
World War II remains a rich source of inspiration for movies, even seventy years after its end. The clear moral lines between good and evil that the Nazi era puts into relief allow for little wiggle room for postmodern movie makers to blur them. The masterful script and ace directing nevertheless manage to stretch these lines to the uttermost, resulting in a great deal of suspense where the viewer is at times unsure of who is who and who is good or evil.
Based on a good deal of historical truth, Riphagen is presented as a combination suspense and mystery. Andries Riphagen, sometimes called the Dutch Al Capone, was an influential member of the Dutch underworld who collaborated with the German occupiers for his own personal gain. Only the most gullible of viewers will be fooled by the smooth stories he tells desperate Jews as he tries to "help" them park their assets until after the war. Nevertheless, exactly how Riphagen is scamming people and how particular situations turn out remain unclear until the last moment, as he often has to improvise and adjust his plans based on changing circumstances. This keeps the movie suspenseful till the very last minute. Don't be fooled by what seems to be a slowing down of the story in the last third.
Not without minor pacing problems, this movie is nevertheless a major achievement. Despite a ridiculously small budget, it is masterfully executed. The entire movie breathes the 1940s. The acting by Jeroen van Koningsbrugge as Riphagen as well as by the actors in the many indispensable supporting roles are superb. Camera work, lighting and editing haven't succumbed to modern artsy fads but are crisp and effective. Too bad they couldn't get more real German actors to play German soldiers - Richard Gonlag's German (as Willy Lages, head of the regional division of the German secret police SD) in the original Dutch version is very good, but his native Dutch accent is nevertheless unmistakable. Highly recommended.
Based on a good deal of historical truth, Riphagen is presented as a combination suspense and mystery. Andries Riphagen, sometimes called the Dutch Al Capone, was an influential member of the Dutch underworld who collaborated with the German occupiers for his own personal gain. Only the most gullible of viewers will be fooled by the smooth stories he tells desperate Jews as he tries to "help" them park their assets until after the war. Nevertheless, exactly how Riphagen is scamming people and how particular situations turn out remain unclear until the last moment, as he often has to improvise and adjust his plans based on changing circumstances. This keeps the movie suspenseful till the very last minute. Don't be fooled by what seems to be a slowing down of the story in the last third.
Not without minor pacing problems, this movie is nevertheless a major achievement. Despite a ridiculously small budget, it is masterfully executed. The entire movie breathes the 1940s. The acting by Jeroen van Koningsbrugge as Riphagen as well as by the actors in the many indispensable supporting roles are superb. Camera work, lighting and editing haven't succumbed to modern artsy fads but are crisp and effective. Too bad they couldn't get more real German actors to play German soldiers - Richard Gonlag's German (as Willy Lages, head of the regional division of the German secret police SD) in the original Dutch version is very good, but his native Dutch accent is nevertheless unmistakable. Highly recommended.
Fantasticly shot and directed. I couldn't fault it. It had me on the edge of my seat the whole time. Is this person good or bad? Full of suspense throughout. Well acted by each and every actor. I wish there were more movies like this. Even with only English subtitles. Bravo ladies and gentlemen, you should be proud.
- Angela_Schoenauer
- Jan 13, 2019
- Permalink
This movie is overall of high quality, the plot is interesting although there are too many other films of this genre and that Schindler list totally obscures it.
It's a great struggle between two different evils during a wartime evil, but perhaps too much attention to the two young main actors doubt on the movie's success.
It's a great struggle between two different evils during a wartime evil, but perhaps too much attention to the two young main actors doubt on the movie's success.
- Chinesevil
- May 16, 2022
- Permalink
I had never heard of Dries Riphagen beforehand, and we came across this film accidentally on Netflix. It turned out to be a fantastic watch and one that gives a good lowdown on a wartime conman. The acting is very good indeed and the film settings are authentic.
None of the characters are believable. In fact, most of them suffer from an increasingly common movie disease - they behave like entitled, petulant, morally self-rigteous people from the 21st century, who openly show their contempt for people in authority instead of people living in the 1940s under Nazi occupation, and fearing for their lives. This increasingly common type of movie character is designed for ignorant viewers to identity with and say to themselves "oh yeah, give it to 'em! Tell them off! Yeah that's what I would have done if faced with Nazis!" No, that is fantasy. People behaving like that would have long ago been sent to prison or a concentration camp or shot dead in the street. I'm tired of waching supposedly historical period films where the people dress like the time period but talk and behave like they're in the 2020s.
- weirdquark
- Sep 5, 2022
- Permalink
Despite the my catchy title, I thought this was a very well done film.
It depicts a struggle between good (resistance) v. bad (Nazi and Dutch collaborators)
There is a third player here however, the complacency of the Dutch public. They were willing to look the other way as their Jewish neighbors were being carted away.
The Dutch Jewish population had been their for hundreds of years (see Rembrandt paintings). Holland was one of the worst of the Western European nations in terms of the level of their cooperation with the Nazis. I wish the film would have at least shown some of the "collaboration" was passive and involved good men and women saying nothing.
It depicts a struggle between good (resistance) v. bad (Nazi and Dutch collaborators)
There is a third player here however, the complacency of the Dutch public. They were willing to look the other way as their Jewish neighbors were being carted away.
The Dutch Jewish population had been their for hundreds of years (see Rembrandt paintings). Holland was one of the worst of the Western European nations in terms of the level of their cooperation with the Nazis. I wish the film would have at least shown some of the "collaboration" was passive and involved good men and women saying nothing.
- lstone-90514
- Dec 12, 2020
- Permalink
- phd_travel
- Oct 15, 2016
- Permalink
A true story that is well paced with brilliant acting. Definitely worth watching.
- eltonjdaries
- Dec 30, 2019
- Permalink
Really awesome movie. Jeroen van Koningsbrugge, normally knows as someone who does funny sketches, really showed he can do serious parts as well.
This movies for me has the same quality as Zwartboek, also a dutch WWII movie. Great acting, great filming and good actors.
This movies for me has the same quality as Zwartboek, also a dutch WWII movie. Great acting, great filming and good actors.
- lorenzodecestaro
- Mar 8, 2017
- Permalink
It is like watching a movie directed by a 10 year old with ADHD. There is obviously a story but the way it is told is beyond ridiculous. Hallmark wouldn't even bite. What a shame and a waste. Zero flow/continuity. No character or relationship build ups. But I hope the director passed the class.
- unwhosearmy
- Jan 18, 2022
- Permalink
- myriamlenys
- May 14, 2019
- Permalink
Another film about Holland, the Nazis, and the Resistance in World War II is this one from 2016, Riphagen. A true story, and the title character is one of the most reprehensible human beings known to man.
Dries Riphagen (excellently portrayed by Jeroen van Koningsbrugge) is a Dutch traitor who seeks out Jews who are in hiding and offers to keep their jewelry and homes safe for them until they get back. As if any of them are coming back. The slimeball puts everything in a safety deposit box, but it's all for him, not the poor people he robbed.
One interesting thing - I had just seen The Resistance Banker, about a Dutch hero in World War II, before I saw this film. In reviews of both, it was mentioned that the reviewer became confused either by the story or had trouble telling the good guys from the bad guys. I did not have this problem, and I wondered if it was because I was from another generation. I can remember watching The Constant Gardener with someone and having to explain it line by line. Is it that audiences today are used to shorter scenes, need more action, have less of an attention span, or are too easily distracted?
At any rate, this is a film rich in '40s atmosphere, wonderfully acted, and suspenseful. It is definitely worth seeing, although I don't think many people need to be reminded of how cruel and depraved human beings can be. We have enough of them around as it is.
Dries Riphagen (excellently portrayed by Jeroen van Koningsbrugge) is a Dutch traitor who seeks out Jews who are in hiding and offers to keep their jewelry and homes safe for them until they get back. As if any of them are coming back. The slimeball puts everything in a safety deposit box, but it's all for him, not the poor people he robbed.
One interesting thing - I had just seen The Resistance Banker, about a Dutch hero in World War II, before I saw this film. In reviews of both, it was mentioned that the reviewer became confused either by the story or had trouble telling the good guys from the bad guys. I did not have this problem, and I wondered if it was because I was from another generation. I can remember watching The Constant Gardener with someone and having to explain it line by line. Is it that audiences today are used to shorter scenes, need more action, have less of an attention span, or are too easily distracted?
At any rate, this is a film rich in '40s atmosphere, wonderfully acted, and suspenseful. It is definitely worth seeing, although I don't think many people need to be reminded of how cruel and depraved human beings can be. We have enough of them around as it is.
I thought this was a fantastic movie. I was completely engrossed and transported. It does exactly what a movie is supposed to do. I was surprised to see it was made in 2016. It has an older feel. I don't think I have seen a better movie in years. I loved the scenery and the wardrobe as well as the story.
I have seen the other two good Dutch wartime movies, "The Black Book" and "Winter in Wartime," both of which I thought were also very good, but this may be better. "Das Boot" the German submarine movie is also wonderful. Another wonderful production is "Secret Army" which is available on Amazon. It is a BBC drama series about Belgian resistance during WWII made during the 70's with "Upstairs/Downstairs" production values but still very exciting.
I have seen the other two good Dutch wartime movies, "The Black Book" and "Winter in Wartime," both of which I thought were also very good, but this may be better. "Das Boot" the German submarine movie is also wonderful. Another wonderful production is "Secret Army" which is available on Amazon. It is a BBC drama series about Belgian resistance during WWII made during the 70's with "Upstairs/Downstairs" production values but still very exciting.
7,1 ??? why, this is really shabby stuff. looks oke, acting not bad... but come on... the whole thing is totally incredible. I'm a dutch guy, seen better than this. sorry. not good at all
- nickboldrini
- Aug 5, 2018
- Permalink