What Is the Story About?
The Bombardment is based on a real incident during World War 2. It is about Operation Carthage where the Danish Resistance aligns with the British to bomb Gestapo headquarters in Copenhagen.
Unfortunately, one of the aircraft has an accident and crashes into a school on the way to the actual target. The others following its track mistake the school as the target and bomb it. The Bombardment focuses on the immediate aftermath of the bombing and how it emotionally impacted the common people.
Performances?
The Bombardment is filled with actors of different ages and they all do a terrific job in their respective roles. The kids stand out with their unique personalities. But, it is Bertram Bisgaard Enevoldsen‘s character arc that is easily the best among them. The coming of the full circle of his track related to voice is emotionally well done.
Fanny Bornedal has the most exciting and interesting role of all. She brings a new dimension to the story. Her tryst with God is what gives the narrative an additional layer. It makes one question God without overly hammering the point. Her scenes with Alex Hogh Anderson add intrigue to the plot. She has done amazingly all through until the end.
Danica Curcic and Malena Beltoft Olsen render heartbroken mothers compellingly. The latter’s long emotional running shot towards the end is wonderfully emoted and captured. The rest of the actors too are excellent even if they appear briefly.
Analysis
Ole Bornedal writes and directs The Bombardment. It is a heart-wrenching drama based on real incidents one that is not for weakhearted.
The Bombardment takes time to get going though. The initial half an hour is dedicated to the setting up of various characters and the backdrop. Not much time is wasted assuming one knows the history. It could, therefore, come across as rushed and a bit confusing to those who are not aware of the ‘history’.
The real success of The Bombardment, therefore, lies in the fact that one is still engaged in the narrative even without knowing the actual account and having an emotional connection with it.
The entire stretch from the time the bombing planes take off, one is glued to the proceedings. The background score, editing, tense atmosphere and compelling drama are all neatly placed in the script.
The drama is also explored neatly via God and the war conflict. If God exists why are the wars or bad things happening is the underlying theme. The question is put in place neatly, but there is no answer to it. The director leaves it open to individuals’ perspectives.
The ending stretch is heartbreaking particularly if one knows that the whole thing is real. The emotions hit home close in the current environment where we have an ongoing war. The Bombardment could be timely in that way.
Overall, The Bombardment is a World War 2 drama based on real incidents. It is emotional and compelling with remarkable acting by everyone involved. Give it a try if you like heart-wrenching dramas based on history.
Music and Other Departments?
Marco Beltrami, Buck Sanders and Ceiri Torjussen provide the background score. It is terrific and lifts the feel of the movie according to the mood. Lasse Frank Johannessen’s cinematography is superb. The areal shots of planes, the school and the bombings are captured with a realistic approach and feel. Anders Villadsen’s editing could have been better initially. It is better as the narrative progresses. The writing is fine and aids in increasing the drama.
Highlights?
Last Half An Hour
Nun Teresa’s Track
BGM
Performances
Drawbacks?
Beginning
Uneven Pacing At Times
Confusing In Parts
Did I Enjoy It?
Yes
Will You Recommend It?
Yes
The Bombardment Movie Review by Binged Bureau