Controversial Director’s Overlooked 48-Year-Old “Masterpiece” Is the “Best War Movie of All Time” and Streaming Now

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Many consider this war film, available on Prime Video, to be the greatest of all time, yet surprisingly, some war movie buffs haven’t even heard of it. Released in 1977, it’s now gaining new fans thanks to streaming platforms.

Paul Verhoeven is known for provocative films like *Basic Instinct* and *Showgirls*, or action movies with a dark, satirical edge like *Starship Troopers* and *Robocop*. But before streaming made his work more accessible, many hadn’t seen the film that first launched his career – a debt we owe to Tim Berners-Lee!

The film *Soldier of Orange* (originally titled *Soldaat van Oranje* in Dutch, and known as *Survival Run* in the U.K.) was released in 1977 as the most expensive Dutch film ever made, and it became the most-watched Dutch movie that year. An edited version also aired on television in 1979 as a miniseries. The story centers around a group of students in the Netherlands during World War II, and follows their choices: whether to collaborate with the German occupation or join the Dutch resistance. Here’s a brief overview of the plot:

In 1940, when Germany invaded the Netherlands, the lives of Erik Lanshof and his five friends were pulled in drastically different directions. Some chose to fight back, while others reacted with fear, acceptance, or even chose to collaborate with the enemy, committing acts of treason.

‘Solider of Orange’ Has a Strong Cast and Stronger Reviews


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Paul Verhoeven later became famous for directing Hollywood stars, but even early in his career, in 1977, he attracted talented actors like Rutger Hauer and Edward Fox to his films. Hauer and his fellow actor Jeroen Krabbe received significant praise from critics and viewers alike, and their performances contributed to *Soldier of Orange* being considered one of Verhoeven’s finest works.

With a 92% rating on Rotten Tomatoes from critics and an 87% audience score, the movie has been widely praised. Many reviews call it a masterpiece, highlighting its ability to deeply connect viewers with the characters. It’s being hailed as a film that challenges previous perceptions of the director, known for more sensational work, and proves his range as a filmmaker.

If you love war movies, you’ve likely seen *Soldier of Orange*. But if not, it’s a must-watch while it’s streaming on Prime Video. Despite being almost 50 years old, this film holds its own against today’s best war movies, and comes from a director known for making bold choices. It’s definitely worth checking out.

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2025-10-20 02:47