BLACK BOOK

METRO TARTAN

RELEASED 19 January 2007

Director Paul Verhoeven has given us some classic Hollywood schlock over the years (‘Robocop’, ‘Basic Instinct’, ‘Starship Troopers’) but ‘Black Book’ sees a return to his native Holland.

Set towards the end of the Second World War, Rachel (Carice Van Houten) survives a German ambush and joins the Resistance, vowing to avenge her family’s murder. Disguising her Jewish heritage, she infiltrates the German army but discovers a blurring of the line between right and wrong.

At times dramatic, at others comical, ‘Black Book’ is never boring. It makes the 140 minute running time seem short. The story twists and turns well, and being something of an exploitation expert, director Verhoeven manages to throw in plenty of nudity, some revolting fecal matter, and an exploded head. Nice. He’s been pushing the taste barrier since 1960 so I guess he’s not going to stop now. The film looks great and Carice Van Houten is a sexy lead who could carve out a Hollywood career I’m sure. 

Historical and relevant to today’s world situation, ‘Black Book’ is entertaining Verhoeven schlock. 

THREE OUT OF FIVE