Freeform: Movie Discussion - "The Forgotten Battle" and Moral Decisions

Freethought Freeform

Topic: Movie Discussion: "The Forgotten Battle" and the Basis for Moral Decisions

Moderator: David B

The Forgotten Battle is a 2020 Dutch World War II film that depicts the Battle of the Scheldt in 1944. The film follows a Dutch volunteer in the German Army (Marinus van Staveren), a British glider pilot (William Sinclair), and a young Dutch woman (Teun Visser).  The stories are skillfully told and woven together and the battle scenes are powerful.   As it it told from a Dutch perspective, it is likely very different from any "war" film you have seen before.   It has a 100% Tomatometer score and an 81% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.  Oh, and no soppy Hollywood-style romance!

While we may watch some clips,  the intent is to discuss the film not watch the whole movie.  Preferably you can watch the movie ahead of time on Netflix.  If not, at least watch the trailer and read the Wikipedia entry.

• What did you think of the movie?  What did you like and not like?
• What are the key moral decisions made by the three main characters and other important characters in  the film?
• What role did religion, philosophy, politics, and/or profession play in the decisions?
• How did the characters change during the film?
• Did you find the characters and their actions "believable" and why?
• What lines from the movie are especially relevant for the USA today?

Movie is in Dutch, English, and German, with English subtitles and English dubbing available.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Forgotten_Battle
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bGiR5ZiEWkM
https://www.netflix.com/title/81166791
https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_forgotten_battle

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