This film is not a cultural masterpiece; it is, however, an excellent piece of "documentary" history. The title refers to the defence of Denmark against the aggression of the Third Reich in 1940. This invasion was something of a "by the way" action, on the way to the invasion of Norway. The Wehrmacht crossed the border at 0415 and the Danish Government capitulated about 0600. Prior to the invasion the danish authorities had restricted military action to avoid allegations of provocation. The film starts with a group of danish troops returning to barracks from leave, we then see the humdrum of training exercises(changing the tyres on their bikes!). The film then ramps up to the alert and deployment of the troops in the early hours. It follows the initial actions of a bicycle engaging the invaders then falling back,and through to their final actions and eventual capture. I suspect that many people (outside Denmark) are unaware that there was any combat there. I was aware, and had done some limited research on the events. Overall I believe this to be an excellent piece of reconstructional cinema (OK there are apparently a couple of anachronisms which I had not noticed) but I believe the accuracy to be superb. I noticed a shot in the film which appeared to reflect an historic photo. Having compared a screen capture from the film with the photo I can only describe it as a "loving recreation" which term, I think sums the film up fully. If you are interested in the Second World War then you should view it.
Review of April 9th
