Secrets of War

Directed by Dennis Bots
Film Movement
2014
95 Minutes
Netherlands
Dutch
Coming of Age, Drama, Thriller, Family
Not Rated
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DVD
$19.95 Members
$29.95 Non-Members
Watch Online
$3.99 3-Day Rental
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Tuur and Lambert are best friends in a Nazi-occupied Dutch village who pass their days playing soldiers and exploring local caves, mimicking a war that seems far removed from their everyday life. When Maartje joins their class, the young girl immediately stands out as different from her classmates. Yet the boys embrace their new friend, forming a unique bond based on shared adventures, secrets and mischief. Ultimately, the realities of war find even them - Lambert’s father, a Nazi sympathizer, is named mayor of their town and Tuur discovers his own father and brother have joined the resistance, instantly putting the two boys at odds. Meanwhile, Maartje is hiding a secret of her own, one that not only threatens to tear the new friends apart, but could lead to devastating consequences for anyone involved in keeping it. Secrets Of War puts both the danger and the humanity of wartime friendships squarely on the shoulders of three children who must face extraordinary circumstances with a maturity far beyond their years.

Cast

  • Maas Bronkhuyzen
  • Joes Brauers
  • Pippa Allen
DVD Features

Making-of Featurette\nBonus short: So You've Grown Attached, directed by Kate Tsang

Sound: Stereo 2.0 and 5.1 Surround Sound

Discs: 1

  • Highest Rating
    "**** Secrets of War movingly depicts how war shatters the innocence of two friends divided by their parents' conflicting allegiances. The film subtly compares the exclusionary behavior and misunderstandings of childhood to the same actions magnified in adulthood. Director Dennis Bots illuminates the way bullying turns into totalitarianism and how ignorance transforms into murderous nationalism. This is an intense look at war through a child's eyes; older kids and parents will find lots to discuss and may be inspired to learn more about the topic."
    Barbara Shulgasser-Parker, Common Sense Media
  • Highest Rating
    "A strong young cast and a clean presentation should make "Secrets of War" intriguing for junior cinephiles who may not yet have the same film vocabulary as their parents."
    Jamie Rich, The Oregonian

Awards & Recognition

Winner
Audience Award Best Feature
Stony Brook Film Festival
Winner
Live Action Feature
Chicago Int'l Children's Film Festival
Official Selection
Toronto Int'l Film Festival
Official Selection
New York Int'l Children's Film Festival

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