Rent April 9th (2015)

Fascinating film about German invasion of Denmark in 1940 - April 9th review by PV

I loved this film. Watch the great film LAND OF MINE (awful unfunny punny title) to see Denmark after the Germans leave. THE KING'S CHOICE too, though that is Norway - also invaded by Germans in April 1940 (important as German ships damaged in fighting with Brits and locals). also THE WINTER WAR a 1989 film about Finland's attempted occupation by the USSR.

Watch this right to the end to see real-life interviews with older men who were young soldiers in 1940.

Not many know this story, and in reality Denmark did not suffer much in the Second World War (only 3000 died). Denmark declared it was neutral in 1939, then it was occupied but very few Danes died in the war and some collaborated and fought for the Nazis, and 2000 died fighting for the Germans. Norway has similar collaborators and there were many pro-Nazi Free Corps in occupied states all over Europe. Sweden was neutral - again - and made a fortune supplying Nazi Germany with iron ore. happily the vast majority of Danish Jews were sent to neutral Sweden to avoid internment ordered by the Germans in 1943 .

Lars Mikkelsen has a slight role here as a senior officer. It is a slight film too, but fascinating.

4 stars

Atmospheric - April 9th review by JM

Imagine you are in a country with an aggressive, expansionist southern neighbour. There are rumours of troop movements towards your border.

The border post reports that the border has been breached, then falls silent. So you grab your old rifle and mount your bicycle to repel the invasion. That's the basis of this true story, well told.