BLACK BOOK

CAROLINE: I took myself on a date to see the Dutch film “Black Book,” which was directed by Paul Verhoeven who you may remember as the director of “Showgirls.”

RYAN: And “Basic Instinct.”

CAROLINE: Exactly. But this film is quite a departure from some of his past works. Who knew that Paul Verhoeven would be directing a World War II movie with sub-titles?

RYAN: Did I read that this movie has some Nazi themes and other controversial stuff going on?

CAROLINE: It’s about a Jewish girl pretending not to be Jewish in Europe in the WWII era, so you can imagine that would be quite a struggle.

RYAN: It’s so Anne Frank.

CAROLINE: Look, I’m not gonna lie to you – it’s a historical film with sub-titles, which I know will put off some people. But it’s a really good movie even though it clocks in at well over two hours. The lead actress is phenomenal.

RYAN: Is she pretty?

CAROLINE: She’s pretty enough, and she has a full frontal scene.

RYAN: Damn!

CAROLINE: I know! She’s amazing in this movie. She carries the whole thing. I had to look her up on IMBD and it appears that she’s done mostly Dutch films that I’d never heard of.

RYAN: Is this a must-see summer movie?

CAROLINE: Well, it’s probably only out in limited release, but if it’s playing in your city, check it out. I recommend it if you’re looking for a non-boring historical film.

RYAN: But WWII movies, especially the ones with Jews in hiding, can be so depressing and hard to watch.

CAROLINE: No, this one isn’t like that. There’s a whole love story and lots of betrayal and drama and suspense. There are some heart-wrenching moments, but it’s not a gruesome war film.

RYAN: Bottom line?

CAROLINE: I really liked it and I hope it gets some attention because it’s really well made. Who knew that the guy who directed “Showgirls” could make a movie like this? Maybe in his native language he’s a little less cheesy.