NR. 24

At the end of the film, we see Gunnar Sønsteby reflecting on the deep scars left by his wartime actions. Despite the bravery and countless sabotage missions he undertook, Gunnar reveals the emotional toll these events have taken on him, especially the loss of close comrades like Tallak, Greggers, and Erling. In the film’s climax, Gunnar finally confesses the truth about Erling’s death to a young student, exposing the difficult moral compromises he made during the resistance. This moment highlights how the weight of war has lingered with him long after victory, symbolized by the “five drawers” of his memory—each one representing a different aspect of his past. The final drawer, which he kept closed since Victory Day, represents the horrors and personal sacrifices he has endured in silence, avoiding the pain of those memories.

Gunnar’s story is one of sacrifice and moral ambiguity. Even though he managed to avoid arrest by the Germans and was decorated for his heroism, the scars of war stayed with him, affecting his personal life and mental health. The film closes with Gunnar’s quiet acceptance of his past and the acknowledgment that some memories are too painful to fully confront. It’s a poignant reminder that, even for the most courageous, the cost of fighting for freedom can come with a heavy emotional burden that lasts long after the war has ended. Gunnar’s legacy as Norway’s most decorated hero remains intact, but it’s clear that his internal struggles are an enduring part of his story.

Last Updated: June 25, 2025 at 09:03