A good biography remains fully faithful to the actual history, but a great one understands what their life story means as a whole, on a larger scale. Number 24 could have been one of many World War II biopics. It could have just celebrated Norwegian resistance fighter Gunnar Sønsteby and his numerous deeds. By simply being a biopic, it does so. However, by alternating between Sønsteby in a talk during his last years and him during his saboteur career, Number 24 also recontextualizes their more dubious tactics for a generation that holds violence as unthinkable. Number 24 is a well-paced, engaging biopic that not only commemorates the hero, but also explores his lasting legacy.
"The director crafts a mostly patriotic picture of a man solely dedicated to duty. It’s an uncompromising approach that often makes for a stirring watch even through a narrow lens."
— Robert Daniels
On the brink of the Second World War, a young Norwegian man's drive to resist the Nazis sets a new course for his future – and the future of his country.
After the Nazi Germany invaded Norway, young Gunnar Sønsteby and his friends joined the Norwegian resistance, eventually becoming the leader of Europe’s greatest saboteur group.
The Radiohead needle drop was so unexpected, but golly, it was quite fitting for the mood of the scene it played in.
Rest in peace, Gunnar Sønsteby.
Good