Common Sense Media Review
By Brian Costello
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Powerful WWII drama has violence, language, smoking.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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Narvik
What's the Story?
In NARVIK, the year is 1940, and as a neutral country, Norway allows both Great Britain and Nazi Germany to access the iron ore mines around the tiny village of Narvik. Gunnar (Carl Martin Eggesbo) is a soldier in the army who is married to Ingrid, who works in the local hotel. Soon, their worlds and the worlds of the others in the town are turned upside down when the Nazis decide to ignore Norway's neutrality and undertake an invasion of the country. When the Nazis take over Narvik, Gunnar and his fellow soldiers try to run off to hide and fight back. Meanwhile, Ingrid is hired as a translator for the Nazis while also providing intelligence for the British. As the Norwegians await help from the Allies, Gunnar and his friends must find a way to survive the trials of prison camp, and Ingrid is forced to make a difficult decision that's likely to have serious ramifications.
Is It Any Good?
This is an excellent World War II historical action drama that effectively balances the courage and bravery of war with the far-reaching consequences of its ravages. Narvik tells the story of what's considered to be the first victory over the Nazis in World War II. It depicts the heroism of the proverbial "ragtag" soldiers fighting back against seemingly impossible odds, but it's more than firefights and bombings. It also depicts the difficult, if not impossible, decisions some were forced to make during Nazi occupation in order for themselves and their families to survive.
There's a sense when the movie is over that the story is completely and fully told, from all angles. It manages to be as thoughtful as it is exciting. There are all the expected war movie verities like heroism and valor, but the fact that Narvik digs deeper than that is what separates it from so many other movies centered on the battles against the Nazis from 1939-1945.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about World War II action-drama movies like Narvik. How is this similar to and different from other movies centered on events from World War II?
How did the violence highlight the horrors of war on both soldiers and civilians?
Ingrid is forced to make a difficult decision, one that leads her to be ostracized by her neighbors. What are your thoughts on her decision? Was it the right decision? Did she have a choice?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : January 23, 2023
- Cast : Kristine Hartgen , Carl Martin Eggesbo , Henrik Mestad
- Director : Erik Skjoldbjaerg
- Studio : Netflix
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Topics : History
- Character Strengths : Courage
- Run time : 108 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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