The Assault

The Assault

Year: 2012

Runtime: 91 min

Language: English

Director: Julien Leclercq

ActionThriller

As Christmas Eve takes a deadly turn, a hijacked Air France plane becomes a ticking time bomb. On board, a desperate standoff unfolds between terrorists and passengers, while outside, a tense game of cat-and-mouse plays out. Amidst the chaos, three lives - a determined SWAT officer, a radicalized young jihadist, and an ambitious government agent - intersect in a gripping drama of violence, fear, and redemption.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – The Assault (2012)
Explore the full timeline and setting of The Assault (2012). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1945 to 1981

The story spans a significant period in Dutch history, marked by the horrors of World War II, post-war reconstruction, and the introspective struggle of individuals as they cope with the aftermath of trauma. These decades also see the rise of social movements and changing political landscapes that reflect broader societal transformations.

Location

Haarlem, Amsterdam

Haarlem, known for its rich history and beautiful architecture, serves as the backdrop for Anton's early life and trauma. Amsterdam, a city characterized by its cultural depth and historical complexities, represents both refuge and a place of deeper understanding for Anton as he navigates his traumatic past.

🏙️ City 🇳🇱 Netherlands

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:08

Main Characters – The Assault (2012)
Meet the key characters of The Assault (2012), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Anton Steenwijk (Vincent Elbaz)

A complex character shaped by trauma, Anton represents the struggle between a desire for normalcy and the burdens of his past. His journey explores themes of loss, memory, and the quest for understanding, reflecting the psychological scars left by his family's tragedy.

🧠 Struggling 🕵️‍♂️ Seeker of Truth

Fake (Grégori Derangère)

As the son of a collaborator, Fake's character offers a contrasting perspective to Anton's experiences. He grapples with guilt and responsibility regarding his family's past, which serves to highlight the complexities of memory and the burden of inherited trauma.

🤝 Empathetic 🌪️ Conflict of Emotions

Cor Takes

A seasoned veteran of the resistance, Cor becomes an unexpected ally for Anton. His rich experiences provide insight into the moral dilemmas faced during the fight against fascism, complicating Anton's understanding of justice and memory.

🗣️ Confidant ⚔️ Veteran

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:08

Major Themes – The Assault (2012)
Explore the central themes of The Assault (2012), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🕊️ Trauma

The theme of trauma permeates the narrative, exploring how Anton's childhood experiences during the Nazi occupation forever shape his identity and decisions. His search for understanding and closure highlights the enduring impacts of violence on personal and collective histories.

🔍 Memory

Memory plays a crucial role in Anton's life as he grapples with fragmented recollections of his family's tragic fate. His journey illustrates the complexities of remembrance and the pursuit of truth, revealing how the past continually influences the present.

⚖️ Justice

The moral implications of justice thread throughout the story, prompting Anton to confront the actions and motives of those involved in the events leading to his family's demise. This theme invites reflection on culpability, forgiveness, and the quest for reconciliation in the aftermath of historical atrocities.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:08

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