There are still stories to be told about World War II that are unique and powerful, that reflect the human condition through an individual's experiences and actions. In 'Winter in Wartime,' we hone in on one 13 year old boy living in occupied Holland. It is the last winter of World War II, and clandestine radio reports are predicting an end to the war soon. At first, Michiel is making the best of the Nazi presence in his town. He and his friend still have the freedom to ride their bikes through the countryside and even mischievously explore a downed fighter plane. Not totally oblivious to the political situation, he resents that his father, the mayor of the town, who seems to cooperate and even outwardly enjoy the company of the Nazis.
Michiel becomes entangled in a dangerous situation in trying to help the British pilot of that very downed plane. Once the decision is made to help, the boy quickly become a man. He must decide who to trust, what to do, and how to accept the sacrifices he must make, as well as the losses he much accept.
The story is told from the young boy's perspective -- naively, simply, as pure as the snow that constantly cleanses the town and nearby forests. But as the film progresses, situations become more complex. Even the overridingly simple concepts, such as all Germans are the evil enemy, are confounded when one German soldier puts his own life at risk to save Michiel. The choices he has to make become more difficult as he becomes wiser and stronger.
'Winter in Wartime' is a unique perspective on wartime occupation and the pressures that change people, and children, into heroes, traitors, victims, and cowards. The acting is direct and deeply moving. No histrionics, just simple portrayals of common people in a small town trying to survive, principals in tact, under extreme conditions. The cinematography juxtaposes the beauty of the gently falling snow with the immovable force of the enemy occupiers.
Winter in Wartime
Director: Martin Koolhoven
Writer: Martin Koolhoven, Paul Jan Nelissen., Mieke de Jong, from the novel by Jan Terlouw
Cast: Martijn Lakemeier, Yorick van Wageningen, Jamie Campbell Bower, Raymond Thiry, Melody Klaver
Time: 103 min
Rated: R
Opening in San Francisco at the Embarcadero Cinema on March 25
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