Watch The Resistance Banker

The Resistance Banker is a Dutch war thriller that tells the true story of Walraven van Hall, a banker who waged a secret war against the Nazi occupation during World War II. Directed by Joram Lürsen and released in 2018, the movie stars Jacob Derwig as Walraven van Hall, Barry Atsma as his brother Gijs van Hall, and Fockeline Ouwerkerk as Tilly van Hall, Walraven's wife.

The film takes place in Amsterdam in the early 1940s, when Nazi Germany has invaded the Netherlands and established a brutal regime. Walraven van Hall is a successful banker who works for the Dutch government, but he becomes increasingly disillusioned with the collaborationist policies of the authorities. When he learns that the Nazis are planning to seize the entire Dutch banking system to finance their war effort, Walraven decides to take action.

Together with his brother Gijs, a socialist mayor, Walraven starts to devise a plan to create a vast underground banking system that would provide the Dutch resistance with the funds it needs to fight the occupation. The brothers recruit a team of loyal employees and clandestinely divert millions of guilders from the Dutch central bank to their secret accounts. Despite the risks and the constant threat of discovery, Walraven manages to keep the operation running for years, becoming known as the "Resistance Banker".

The Resistance Banker is a tense and gripping thriller that depicts the moral dilemmas and the personal sacrifices of those who fought against the Nazis. The film shows the van Hall brothers as complex and flawed characters who struggle with their conscience, their loyalty, and their fear. Jacob Derwig delivers a powerful performance as Walraven, portraying him as a determined and principled man who is willing to risk his own life to save others. Barry Atsma is also impressive as Gijs, conveying his inner conflicts and doubts with a nuanced acting.

The movie is beautifully shot, with a realistic and gritty style that captures the atmosphere of wartime Amsterdam. The film's production design and costumes are also superb, evoking the period with accuracy and elegance. The score, composed by Merlijn Snitker, provides a haunting and emotional backdrop to the story, reinforcing the drama and the suspense. The Resistance Banker is a well-crafted and engaging movie that portrays a lesser-known aspect of the Dutch Resistance and pays tribute to the bravery and resilience of its heroes.

In addition to its historical value, The Resistance Banker is a timely and relevant film that deals with themes of resistance, activism, and courage in the face of injustice. The movie invites the viewers to reflect on the power of solidarity, the importance of taking a stand, and the consequences of silence. The story of Walraven van Hall and his resistance bank is a testament to the human spirit and the value of fighting for one's beliefs, even in the darkest times.

Overall, The Resistance Banker is a must-see movie that combines historical accuracy, political relevance, and artistic excellence. It is a film that will inspire and move audiences, reminding them of the courage and the sacrifice of those who fought against fascism and tyranny.

The Resistance Banker is a 2018 war movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 3 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9.