Common Sense Media Review
By Jose Solis
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
WWII historical drama with violence and some language.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Number 24
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
NUMBER 24 tells the real-life story of Gunnar Sønsteby (Sjur Vatne Brean), a Norwegian man who decided to resist the Nazi Germany invasion and became the leader of a band of resistors called the Oslo Gang, who went on to sabotage operations, including the destruction of machinery and airplanes. They went on to become national heroes. The film is framed through the lens of an older Gunnar (Erik Hivju), who shares his story with a group of students as a way to warn them about avoiding the mistakes of the past.
Is It Any Good?
Based on the real-life story of Norwegian hero Gunnar Sønsteby, director John Andreas Andersen delivers a gripping, often violent thriller that highlights the best and worst of humankind. The heroic tale told in Number 24, however, comes with warnings about the use of violence in order to achieve such goals. The clever framing device in which an older Gunnar discusses his life with a group of students adds a moral dimension that perfectly encompasses the difficulty of grappling with history to pose the question: Can peace be achieved without casualties?
Filled with moments of intense pain, such as graphic torture scenes and detailed views of the aftermath of Gunnar's sabotage operations, this is a film that thrills and invites reflection. Younger viewers might be engaged by the action scenes and can learn about World War II history through the slower moments.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Gunnar shows courage, loyalty, and resilience while also using violence to help his cause. Do you think this was the right way to act? Why, or why not?
If you could ask Gunnar about his life, what would you like to know?
What did the movie teach you about the resistance movement in Norway during World War II? Where could you go to learn more?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : January 1, 2025
- Cast : Sjur Vatne Brean , Erik Hivju , Ines Høysæter Asserson
- Director : John Andreas Andersen
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Netflix
- Genre : Drama
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Courage
- Run time : 111 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : February 12, 2025
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