Black Book is yet another WWII-based movie, though with a completely different take. Taking place during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands, the movie focuses on a Jewish singer named Rachel (Carice van Houten). After her family is killed, Rachel joins the underground resistance and agrees to infiltrate the Gestapo and gather intelligence by seducing Ludwig (Sebastian Koch), a high-ranking official in the organization. Rachel's plan takes a surprise twist when she ends up falling for Ludwig and uncovering a number of other plots going on within the German secret police and the Dutch resistance.
Black Book is very much a character-driven story, which places it in a different category than the previously mentioned Verhoeven films. Rachel is a likeable character and someone you can easily sympathize with, especially once the many twists and turns begin to kick in. Good guys are bad guys, bad guys are good guys... there's a lot going on at all times. Actually, "good" and "evil" turn out to be relative terms once the movie kicks into high gear. One of the key themes throughout the movie is survival; or rather the lengths people are willing to go in order to survive. Because of this, the plot is constantly moving and even some of the more inconsequential lines or actions end up playing a major role later in the movie. There are very few "throw away" scenes, so pay attention to everything.
Even though Black Book is driven mostly by story and characters, is it still a Paul Verhoeven movie at heart. Sex and violence are strewn throughout the movie, though it is never gratuitously used - it all works for the plot and makes sense within the movie's context. Still, some scenes come out of the clear blue, so they can jar the film's pacing ever-so-slightly.
There are a few extras included with the DVD. In addition to commentary from director Paul Verhoeven, a short "Making of..." featurette is included. I should also point out that the movie is completely in Dutch, so expect to read throughout the movie (unless, of course, you know Dutch).
Black Book hasn't received too much attention in the US, but if you enjoy WWII movies, or movies with several plot-twists, it is recommended.
