Run, do not walk to see this absolutely spellbinding, riveting film! This movie has it all: betrayal, plot twists, humor, murder, mistaken identities, sex, and dazzling courage in the face of crushing adversity. Even something as bizarre as the act of coloring pubic hair, which I would normally think of as lurid or disgusting, was actually handled cleverly and pleasantly, given its instrumental significance in the unwinding of the story. But make sure you have some caffeine before going. The subtitles are fast and furious, and you need to stay on top of them in order to follow the intricate storyline. This is one of those films where you forget your surroundings because you're so absorbed in it. It's one of the best movies I've seen in a long time.

Black Book Shines. Evil is not an entity that exists subjectively, in the 'other' person. Evil and Good exist in each of us and our decisions have moral implications that cause great sorrow or joy for generations. Rachel/Ellis is a figure of the Divine, who unconditionaly loves and perserveres inspite of getting 'dumped on' by the immoral corruption of man's unsatiable lust for power and wealth. In the End, who wins? No one and everyone; and inspite of the power of Evil and Violence, Love endures in a thread of Word and Memory from generation to generation. It is not a matter of Right or Wrong, but a matter of Love, Love that is greater than Faith and Hope, not printed in vulnerable pages of any person's Book, but seed sown gently in the Heart with a promise so powerful that even the Most Perverse Evil is overwhelmed by the sweetness of chocolate -see the movie!

Paul Verhoeven is back at what he does best-comic cynicism, character development, action and graphic violence. This homage to WWII spy movies begins with a woman saying grace- then the killing starts. Verhoeven manages to balance this cynicism with compassion that stems from the brutality exacted by the Nazis and those who collaborated, He also demonstrates that in the insanity of war, few people can actually claim a moral highground. Profiteering, betrayal, revenge, terror, andguish, love, treason, jubilation, trauma, excess, and genocide are examined in a realistic homage that while looking like the classic WWII spy movies transcends their bifurcated reality of right and wrong.

Black Book,I can tell you now,will be on my list for the top ten movies of 2007.this was one of my more favorite moviegoing experiences so far this year.I loved this movie.There was plenty of Oscar-Worthy performances in here.Carice VanHouten is mesmerizing as a "modern-day Mata-Hari,and I think she should be considered for the Best-Actress Oscar.Sebastian Koch gives his second Oscar-level performance within a month,after his fantastic turn in The Lives of Others,and should someday recieve his Oscar.Everyone else is great to,even the people who are only in the movie for a few seconds.Paul Verhoven's direction is also Oscar-level.He creates tension in this movie almost effortlessly,and is one of the best directors today as Black Book adds onto his lists of masterworks.The movie does get a little violent,but it's a war movie,how could it not?It also gets a little dramatic,but the movie is so well-acted,and directed,I strongly recommend it to everyone,and if you can see it do so,enjoy.

Interesting take on the standard W.W. 2 spy thriller, told from a fresh point of view with great production values and a gorgeous star. Was worth checking out on a rainy afternoon.