The Forgotten Battle 2021

Drama

War

Box Office

$6M

Runtime

124 min

Language

Dutch

Directed by

Matthijs van Heijningen Jr.

Made by

Netflix

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The Forgotten Battle Plot Summary

Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for The Forgotten Battle (2021). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.

In September 1944, as the Allies approach from Belgium, Teuntje Visser works in the office of a collaborationist mayor in German-occupied Zeeland. Striving to maintain their neutrality, she and her father, Doctor Visser, find themselves at odds with Teuntje’s younger brother, Dirk Visser, who takes a stand by joining the Dutch Resistance. Unfortunately, he is arrested after throwing a rock at a German convoy and subjected to severe torture to unveil the names of fellow Resistance members.

Concurrently, Marinus van Staveren, a Dutch volunteer serving with the Waffen-SS Division Das Reich, is reassigned to work as a secretary and translator for Oberst Berghof, the German commandant in Zeeland. As Marinus witnesses the Nazis’ brutal methods, including the execution of civilian hostages, he begins to empathize with Teuntje and her father. They seek a more lenient sentence for Dirk in Berghof’s office. Initially, it seems promising, but Berghof ultimately commands the execution of Dirk and other Resistance fighters. In a desperate attempt to warn Teuntje, Marinus is caught by a German officer and subsequently punished by being placed in the execution squad for Dirk.

Following Dirk’s death, Teuntje fully immerses herself in the Resistance, uncovering that Dirk had been discreetly documenting German artillery positions along the Scheldt River. Determined to aid the Allies, she steals a tidal map of Sloe Channel from the mayor’s office, which reveals a deep channel that could facilitate a safe crossing for Allied forces. Alongside her best friend, Janna, who is also part of the Resistance, they set out to deliver Dirk’s photographs and the crucial map to the advancing Allied forces targeting Walcheren Island.

Meanwhile, during Operation Market Garden, Glider Pilot Regiment Sergeant William Sinclair, Lieutenant Tony Turner, and soldier Henk Sneijder find themselves crash-landed in a flooded estuary in Zeeland after their Airspeed Horsa glider is struck by anti-aircraft fire. Turner sustains injuries from the landing. Upon escaping the marshes, they seek refuge in a farmhouse, where they learn that the operation has failed and Canadians are now entering Holland. Determined to reach safety, they attempt to connect with Canadian forces but experience setbacks, culminating in an attack by German soldiers, resulting in Turner’s death. Exhausted, Henk is left behind as Sinclair escapes and reaches the Allied line.

Amidst the chaos before the Battle of Walcheren Causeway, Teuntje finds herself captured while aiding Janna in their escape with Dirk’s photographs and the pivotal map. Janna is tragically shot and mortally wounded yet manages to reach the Allied lines before she succumbs. With the German defense force led by Marinus poised to engage at Walcheren Island, Sinclair is involved in the Allied offensive. The initial assault results in heavy losses, but the intelligence from a dying Janna, which includes the map, allows the Allied troops to successfully flank the Germans.

During this fierce encounter, Sinclair and Marinus inadvertently cross each other’s paths, each threatening the other with weapons, yet they choose to spare one another. As the German forces retreat, Marinus heroically defends Teuntje from a German soldier attempting to harm her but is mortally injured in the fray. Teuntje, filled with gratitude, tends to Marinus, but heartbreakingly, he dies from his wounds. Allied troops, including Sinclair, discover Marinus’ body next to Teuntje as the town is liberated.

In a poignant epilogue, the narrative underscores that the Allied triumph at Walcheren was instrumental in reopening the port of Antwerp to Allied forces, significantly contributing to the Liberation of the Netherlands on May 5, 1945.

The Forgotten Battle Timeline

Follow the complete movie timeline of The Forgotten Battle (2021) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.

Teuntje's Position in Occupied Zeeland

In September 1944, Teuntje Visser works diligently in the office of a collaborationist mayor in German-occupied Zeeland. Her involvement highlights the delicate balance of maintaining neutrality during a time of turmoil, especially as her father, Doctor Visser, shares her objective.

September 1944 Zeeland

Dirk Joins the Dutch Resistance

Teuntje's younger brother, Dirk Visser, chooses to resist the occupation by joining the Dutch Resistance. His commitment to the cause puts him at odds with his family's desire for neutrality and ultimately leads to dire consequences.

Dirk's Arrest and Torture

After throwing a rock at a German convoy as a protest, Dirk is arrested by the German forces. He endures severe torture in an attempt to extract information about fellow Resistance members, showcasing the brutal reality faced by those opposing the occupation.

Marinus' Role in the German Command

Marinus van Staveren, a Dutch volunteer with the Waffen-SS Division Das Reich, is reassigned as a secretary and translator for Oberst Berghof in Zeeland. His exposure to the Nazis' brutal tactics begins to shift his perspective as he witnesses the execution of civilian hostages.

Zeeland

Efforts to Save Dirk

Teuntje and Doctor Visser seek a lenient sentence for Dirk by appealing to Oberst Berghof. Despite initial hope, Berghof ultimately orders the execution of Dirk and other Resistance fighters, marking a turning point for Teuntje and her family.

Berghof's Office

Marinus Punished

In a bid to warn Teuntje about Dirk's fate, Marinus is apprehended by a German officer. His punishment involves placement in the execution squad meant for Dirk, a grim irony that deepens his conflict over his loyalties.

Teuntje Joins the Resistance

Devastated by Dirk's execution, Teuntje becomes fully committed to the Resistance. She discovers that her brother had been secretly documenting German artillery positions, fueling her resolve to assist the Allies in their efforts.

Stealing the Crucial Map

Teuntje steals a tidal map from the mayor's office, identifying a deep channel in Sloe that could aid the Allied forces’ crossing. This act of bravery emphasizes her determination to contribute to the war effort despite the risks.

Mayor's Office

Crash-Landing during Operation Market Garden

Amidst Operation Market Garden, Sergeant William Sinclair and his team crash-land in a flooded estuary after their glider is hit. The ensuing chaos forces them to seek shelter and updates on the ongoing military operations.

Zeeland

Turner's Injury and Determination

Lieutenant Tony Turner suffers injuries during the crash landing and is unable to regroup with his team immediately. Despite the challenges, he shows unwavering determination to reach safety and connect with Allied forces.

Janna's Fatal Wound

In a tragic turn of events, Janna is shot while trying to help Teuntje escape with Dirk's photographs and the pivotal map. Despite her wounds, she manages to reach the Allied lines, delivering crucial intelligence before succumbing.

Battle of Walcheren Causeway

As the battle for Walcheren intensifies, both Teuntje and Sinclair find themselves in the thick of the conflict, with Sinclair participating in the Allied assault that experiences heavy losses but eventually leverages the information from Janna.

Walcheren Island

Marinus and Teuntje's Encounter

During a critical moment, Marinus and Teuntje cross paths in the fray of battle. Each holds their weapons at the other but ultimately chooses to spare one another, reflecting the complexities of conflicting loyalties in war.

Marinus' Last Stand

Marinus bravely defends Teuntje from an attacking German soldier, but he sustains fatal injuries in the process. As Teuntje tends to him, their bond deepens, painting a poignant picture of sacrifice amidst violence.

The Liberation of Zeeland

The battle concludes with the retreat of German forces, culminating in the discovery of Marinus' body by Allied troops alongside Teuntje. This moment marks a significant victory, paving the way for the Liberation of the Netherlands on May 5, 1945.

May 5, 1945 Walcheren

The Forgotten Battle Characters

Explore all characters from The Forgotten Battle (2021). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.

Teuntje Visser

Teuntje is a determined young woman who evolves from a reluctant collaborator to a dedicated member of the Resistance. Her journey showcases her resilience and unwavering commitment to fight for her brother's legacy and aid the Allied forces, symbolizing hope and courage in times of darkness.

👩‍🎤 Protagonist 🛡️ Determination

Marinus van Staveren

Initially a volunteer for the Waffen-SS, Marinus undergoes a profound change as he witnesses the atrocities committed by the Nazis. His internal conflict and eventual decision to save Teuntje denote a courageous transformation, illustrating the complexities of human morality amid war.

⚔️ Soldier 🤝 Redemption

Dirk Visser

Dirk is passionate and rebellious, embodying the spirit of resistance against German occupation. His refusal to submit leads to his arrest and tragic demise, motivating Teuntje’s resolve to continue the fight for freedom, making him a pivotal figure in her journey.

⚔️ Martyr ✊ Resistance

The Forgotten Battle Settings

Learn where and when The Forgotten Battle (2021) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.

Time period

September 1944

September 1944 was a critical period in World War II, marked by significant military operations such as Operation Market Garden. This time saw intense conflict in the Netherlands as the Allies sought to push back German forces, resulting in both heroic acts and tragic losses among civilians and military personnel alike.

Location

Zeeland, Walcheren Island

Zeeland is a province in the southwestern Netherlands, known for its coastal landscapes and historical significance during World War II. It was a strategic point during the conflict, particularly during the Battle of Walcheren, which played a crucial role in the Allied victory and the reopening of the port of Antwerp.

🌊 Zeeland 🚩 Walcheren Island

The Forgotten Battle Themes

Discover the main themes in The Forgotten Battle (2021). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.

🕊️

Resistance

The theme of resistance is central to the narrative, highlighting the bravery of individuals who stood against oppression. Teuntje and Dirk's commitment to the Dutch Resistance reflects the struggle for freedom, while the choices made by characters like Marinus illustrate the complex moral dilemmas faced during wartime.

💔

Sacrifice

Sacrifice permeates the story, where characters willingly put their lives on the line for their beliefs and loved ones. Dirk’s execution and Marinus’s ultimate sacrifice for Teuntje emphasize the personal costs of war, while Janna’s drive to deliver critical information highlights the price of hope.

⚔️

Conflict

The film deeply explores the conflict between duty and morality amid the chaos of war. Characters face harrowing decisions that shape their fates, such as Marinus’s role within the Nazi ranks and the violent clashes defining the siege on Walcheren Island.

The Forgotten Battle Ending Explained

Unravel the ending of The Forgotten Battle (2021) with our detailed explanation. Understand the final scenes, character fates, and unresolved questions.

By the end of “The Forgotten Battle,” we see a picture of profound human resilience and the power of conscience. Teuntje, who risked everything to pass critical intelligence to the Allies, is captured and narrowly escapes potential death when a soldier’s intervention saves her from a deadly fate. Her act of courage ultimately helps turn the tide in favor of the Allied forces, leading to the liberation of Walcheren and the strategic victory at Antwerp’s port. Meanwhile, Marinus, the guilt-ridden Axis soldier, experiences a moral awakening. Unable to reconcile his loyalty to a destructive regime, he questions the purpose of nationalism and patriotism, struggling with his conscience throughout the film. His pivotal moment occurs when he intervenes in a violent clash and kills a colleague to save Teuntje, asking whether the true meaning of loyalty is sacrifice or guilt.

The most emotionally charged scene is the encounter between William, the Allied pilot, and Marinus, the Axis soldier. Despite the conflict and hatred that have fuelled their nations, the two men confront each other not with hostility, but with an understanding that transcends national allegiance. They look into each other’s eyes, seeing beyond the propaganda and the hatred that divide their countries. Instead of fighting, they lower their weapons and turn away—an unspoken acknowledgment that their shared humanity is more significant than the nationalistic lies fed to them. This moment underscores the film’s central message: that beneath the masks of loyalty and propaganda, there is a universal human connection that can rise above war.

In the end, the film leaves us with a reflection on the destructive nature of propaganda and the importance of personal moral judgment. The characters, despite being caught in the chaos of war, make choices based on their own consciences rather than blind allegiance. “The Forgotten Battle” reminds us that in the midst of devastation, it is human compassion, hope, and the courage to see beyond imposed divisions that ultimately define the true meaning of bravery. It is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, which can find moments of truth and kindness even amid the horrors of war.

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