Life of an 13 year old boy during the period of II World War

                                        WINTER IN WARTIME

            Life of an 13 year old boy during the period of II World War

                        Roles

Micheil Van Beuseko

Erica Van Beuseko

Moeder Van Beuseko

Oom Ben

Jack

            Winter In Wartime is a 2008 Dutch Movie directed by Martin Koolhoven, which is a Dutch War Film. Based on Dutch author Jan Terlouw’s 1972 semi-autobiographical novel “WINTER IN WARTIME”. Terlouw lived five years under Nazi occupation; his father, a vicar, was arrested and threatened with execution twice.

            Story is set in 1945 at the period of world war II.  Even though it’s a war movie no tanker, or bombing found. German Soldiers, in the movie are shown in such a way that they were helpful for the people around them,  they react only through the orders they get.

            A 13-year-old young brave boy Michiel Van Beusekom, observes through the window panes a British Plane falling down with flames. It falls on a place and bursts. A German soldier who passes through the way hearing the sound moves through in search of it. Finds a British pilot, before he shot him British Pilot Jack shot him to save his own life. Next day Michiel comes with his friend Ceasar to the place where the plane crashed collects a watch from their and are been chased by German soldiers. Michiel’s uncle Beto, a Dutch war fighter came to his home with a suitcase filled with ration cards and radio.

            Theo brother of Dirk (Michiel’s friend) gives him a cover saying if I do not return evening pass this to the Blacksmith. Looks at them getting on a boat to the otherside of the river. Later, comes to know that he was arrested. Michiel’s uncle Beto, working in Dutch war fighter came to his home with a suitcase filled with ration cards and radio. Uncle Beto Warns him not to get involved in war.

            As said Michiel tries to handover the cover given by Dirk to the Blacksmith, in first attempt he could not next attempt in front of his eyes the blacksmith  was shot by the German soldiers.  Michiel opens the cover and it contained the details about the RAF Pilot  Jack, who was wounded in the plane crash. He moved to meet him and he was hidden in underground shelter. Mitcheil decided to help him brought him food. His sister Erica van Beusekom who is a nurse was brought to give treatment for him.

            Micheil’s father, Johan van Beusekom who is the mayor of the village, tries to help neighbors dragged by German soldiers. Speaks with them in a friendly manner. Looking at their relationship Micheil thinks his father as a coward for maintaining relationship with Nazi’s for peace and protect. Mitcheil while riding in cycle, gets slipped and falls into the cold water, one of the German soldier’s hand comes into the water to save him. Makes clear that Nazi’s were also kind hearted people.

           

            Later, Jack informs Michiel the watch belongs to him and takes it back. Makes it a parcel and informs to pass it to his place so that people may come to know about him. He seeks his uncle Beto for the help. Mean while, Jack and Erika falls in Love. Micheil’s father got arrested by the German soldiers and taken into custody. When Mitcheil and his mother went to meet him, they were not allowed in. Uncle Beto trying to get him out, informs he will be free by tomorrow. But, next day morning his father was shot by Nazi’s in front of his eyes. Mitcheil started to neglect his uncle Beto.

            Michiel helping Jack to escape from the place. First attempt while moving they were surrounded by the Nazi soldiers as no other go they returned back. Second, attempt on the way the horse chariot looses a wheel and the German soldiers nearby reattach it without realizing about Jack’s identity, finally reached the boat on the river side, then too they were surrounded by the soldiers and left the place. Michiel brought him to his house and mad him stay in the store house. Michiel asked his uncle to help him to reach his place and was sent with him. While leaving Beto tells “Dirk, should have not used you”.

            Later, Mitcheil getting doubt, checked Beto’s suitcase finds German documents and Jack’s watch.  It comes to his knowledge that Beto was working for Germans. Mitchiel reached them, saved Jack from Beto and made him to reach his place safe with his sister Erica. Later, Mitcheil shot Beto as he was the reason for his father’s death.

            WINTER IN WARTIME, a war time happening family story.