I came here tonight to specifically recommend Number 24 as well, I just finished it and thought it so well done, the actors exceptional, and it all quite moving. It’s an unexpected format that works beautifully.
It’s a film I’d want high school and college students to see as well, in particular for the way the film is constructed (as I think they would connect with it), especially as knowledge of the War in younger generations is becoming more scant, particularly as people who lived through it have passed away.
Of note: I normally dislike dubbing in foreign films (finding it flat and disjointed, so I’d rather watch with subtitles) but the actors who dubbed this film in English did an exceptional job - and their work adds much to the story here.
Andersen directs Number 24 in a documentary style, flipping from modern Norway to war-time Norway with ease. The sabotage attacks on key infrastructure provide enough spark to remind us of the dangers of war but at its heart this is two-hander through the eyes of the elder and younger Sønsteby. Sjur Vatne Brean as the younger captures the resistance hero remarkably. Focused and driven yet also blessed with the perfect poker face that lets himself blend into the background and become the invisible man. As the elder, Erik Hivju is equally captivating, proud and resolute in his achievements but still inwardly tortured by the decisions war forced upon him.
As befitting a documentary approach, Andersen doesn’t judge, his challenge comes though the voices of the students listening to Sønsteby’s testimony. A generation removed from war they have a different outlook on life and their questions over the use of violence as opposed to diplomacy don’t receive a resolution here – nor should they.
Where Number 24 succeeds is showcasing perhaps still a lesser-known area of the Second World War. While the French Resistance is now well-known, its Norwegian counterpart is perhaps less featured outside of the country. Regardless of nationality, though, what Number 24 manages to portray with both skill and sensitivity is the true cost of any conflict on the human soul, even decades after hostilities have ceased.
My wife and I just watched Blink Twice. As a psychological thriller it is pretty disturbing with rape and abuse a central theme; it is not for the squeamish. That said, some of the acting is very good, even from unlikely sources (Channing Tatum), and there is an unexpected twist at the ending.
I will recommend to my daughter who teaches US History from 1880 to present (which like all history classes tends to go just past WWII and then run out of time). She’s always looking for extra credit things for her classes to watch and report on.
There is a Lassie movie about the resistance, but I think it is Finland.
Just watched Captain Fantastic again. What a great movie. Interesting, intense, and Viggo Mortensen is exceptional. Still gives me a little PTSD as he plays a more intense version of my dad, but what an intriguing and bizarre movie.
I am a huge fan of Viggo Mortensen. He has been outstanding in every performance I have seen. If you have not seen Eastern Promises, Hidalgo or History of Violence, I recommend them all just for Viggo.
I did just see History of Violence, and Viggo was outstanding. He is one of those actors who you believe is the character he plays, he’s that good. For a heads up to others, there is a lot of violence in that movie (obviously), including sexual violence. I might have to see that movie again to see Viggo’s fine butt. Acting, I mean, fine acting.
Watched Flow, the animated film that won the 2025 Animated Film Golden Globe. Amazing what a skilled animator can do using a freeware program. The animation reminds me of Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away. it is a beautiful and captivating movie even though there is no dialogue. I highly recommend.
Just watched My Old Ass with Aubrey Plaza. I thought it was wonderfully written and acted. Maisy Stella knocked it out of the park with her performance. Comedic, but touching and on point about life, death and living life. Also the value of youth that we usually understand too late.
Watched Will and Harper on Netflix. I actually never liked WF that much. But, this was a very moving film that made me like Will- a lot. Surprised at the depth of the film and it IMO was done very well.
Husbands and I rewatched Flow - because our cat was interested! The Latvian filmmaker is so talented!
We also decided to watch Here, the latest Robert Zemeckis movie starring Tom Hanks. The movie was apparently trashed by film critics. Boo to them. We liked it. It is filmed in a very unique manner: the camera never moves from one spot.
We watched “Challengers” last week. I liked it better than my husband. We both were a little confused at the end (somewhat intentional, I think). The music score also won Golden Globe award.
