The Assault
The Assault

Movie spotlight

The Assault

1986
Movie
144 min
Dutch

At the end of WWII the Dutch resistance kills a German officer in front of the house of a Dutch family. Years after the war the young boy who witnessed the killing runs into the members of the resistance who committed the killing.

Insights

IMDb7.5/10
Director: Fons RademakersGenres: Drama, War

Plot Summary

Following a childhood trauma during World War II where his father is killed and he is injured by a Nazi collaborator's car, a man named Anton grows up trying to understand the events that led to his father's death. Decades later, he revisits the people and places connected to that fateful night, confronting lingering questions and the complex moral ambiguities of war and collaboration.

Critical Reception

The Assault was met with critical acclaim, particularly for its powerful portrayal of the psychological impact of war and its exploration of complex moral themes. It was praised for its direction, acting, and poignant storytelling.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its unflinching look at the long-term consequences of war.

  • Lauded for its sensitive and thought-provoking exploration of guilt, memory, and collaboration.

  • The film's emotional resonance and strong performances were frequently highlighted.

Google audience: Audience reception data for Google reviews is not readily available for this film.

Awards & Accolades

Won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 1987.

Fun Fact

The film is based on the novel of the same name by Harry Mulisch, a prominent Dutch author.

AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources

My Review