Narvik - A Movie Review

Netflix's latest release, Narvik, has skyrocketed to the top of the streaming platform's must-watch list, and for good reason. The film tells the fascinating tale of a lesser-known World War II story, one that centers around the small Norwegian town of Narvik and its vital role in the iron ore struggle between Germany and Great Britain. As the world's top producer of iron ore, Norway's coastal port city of Narvik held the key to the distribution of this precious resource during the war.

Hitler and the Third Reich heavily relied on the iron ore they secured from Narvik and Norway's strategic, ice-free harbor to manufacture a large portion of their arsenal after starting the war in 1939. In contrast, it was in the best interest of the British and the Allied Forces to cut off the supply to Hitler, making it much more challenging for the power-hungry regime to produce weapons. The result was a dangerous and deadly situation that emerged in this small town of less than 10,000 people with its refineries and port outlet as a pivotal stronghold between the two powers, forcing Norway to give up its neutrality.

The story of Narvik centers around the people and events that surrounded the 1940 Battle of Narvik, which remains the largest battle ever fought on Norwegian soil and is regarded as Hitler's first loss of World War II. In the film, Kristen Hartgen plays Ingrid Tofte, a young Norwegian woman who works at the town's largest inn and is married to Gunnar Tofte (Carl Martin Eggesbø), a corporal in the army. Together, they have a young son named Ole (Christoph Gelfert Mathiesen).

The film does a remarkable job of portraying the very simple and normal day-to-day lives of the people of Narvik before the German occupation and subsequent English response forced them into taking sides in the interest of protecting their own people. When the Germans forces decide to take up residence of the entire hotel where Ingrid works, she becomes extremely useful to them as she knows German and can serve as a translator between the towns mayor and the German officers who are in the process of commandeering the city.

Meanwhile, she unwittingly harbors a British operative, Konsul George L.D. Gibbs (Billy Campbell), who is forced from the inn after the German occupation and sent to hole up in a tiny mountain cabin provided generously by Ingrid, free of charge. She is later blackmailed by Gibbs, forcing her to provide information on the German installations in Narvik that resulted in an Allied airstrike that killed many of the townspeople. While the Toftes are not real people, they are an accurate representation of the turmoil that regular people faced during this period.

In the spring of 1940, after the Germans had easily overtaken the small Norwegian forces and the town of Narvik, the Norwegian Army was called upon by the English to join them in waging war against the growing Nazi occupation. The Germans were trying to establish positions in the mountains near Narvik, and the British, French, Polish, and Norwegian forces took to the mountains to thin out the German numbers that were building by the day. It was a brutal and bloody battle fought in frigid temperatures on the icy terrain of Norway, not too far from the Arctic Circle.

In the film's epilogue, it states that there were 85,000 casualties, 65 boats sunk, and 86 planes shot down over the span of the battle that lasted 62 days. Many of us tend to think of WWII as a battle fought primarily between Germany and the Allied Forces of the United States, Great Britain, and the Soviet Union, but even neutral countries like Norway couldn't avoid the catastrophic collateral damage caused by Hitler's warmongering campaign of The success of Narvik is not surprising given its intriguing storyline that sheds light on a lesser-known aspect of World War II. The film provides a gripping portrayal of the events that unfolded in this small Norwegian town and the people who were caught in the middle of a conflict between two global superpowers.

One of the standout performances in the movie is Kristen Hartgen's portrayal of Ingrid Tofte, a young Norwegian woman who finds herself in a precarious situation as she tries to navigate the dangerous waters of war. Hartgen delivers a nuanced performance that captures the fear and uncertainty that Ingrid must have felt as she was forced to choose between her loyalty to her country and her desire to protect her family.

Another notable performance in the film is Billy Campbell's portrayal of Konsul George L.D. Gibbs, a British operative who is forced to go into hiding after the German occupation. Campbell's performance is understated yet powerful, conveying the sense of desperation and hopelessness that Gibbs must have felt as he struggled to survive in the harsh Norwegian wilderness.

The film's attention to detail is impressive, from the authentic costumes and sets to the realistic portrayal of the battle scenes. The movie does an excellent job of bringing to life the stark beauty of the Norwegian landscape and the harsh realities of war.

Overall, Narvik is a compelling and thought-provoking film that offers a unique perspective on one of the most significant events of the 20th century. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in World War II history or for those looking for a gripping and engaging movie.

Furthermore, Narvik sheds light on the impact of war on civilians, particularly those living in small towns and villages. The film portrays the human cost of war, as ordinary people are caught in the crossfire between two opposing forces. It is a poignant reminder that war does not only affect soldiers but also innocent civilians who are forced to endure the horrors of conflict.

The film also highlights the importance of neutrality during times of war. Norway's decision to remain neutral during the early stages of World War II was an attempt to protect its citizens and avoid being drawn into a conflict that was not of their making. However, as events unfolded, Norway was forced to take sides and join the Allied forces in their fight against the Nazis. This decision came at a great cost, as the battle of Narvik resulted in significant casualties and destruction.

Narvik also highlights the crucial role that small towns and cities played during the war. Despite its size and relative obscurity, Narvik was a strategic location that played a pivotal role in the war effort. The town's importance lay in its access to iron ore, a crucial resource that was needed for the production of weapons and other military equipment. The battle of Narvik was, therefore, a significant turning point in the war and a vital victory for the Allied forces.

In conclusion, Narvik is a captivating film that offers a fresh perspective on one of the most significant events of the 20th century. The movie's attention to detail, compelling performances, and engaging storyline make it a must-watch for anyone interested in World War II history. Moreover, the film highlights the human cost of war and the impact it has on innocent civilians caught in the crossfire. It is a powerful reminder of the importance of peace and the need for nations to work together to prevent the horrors of war from ever happening again.