World War II is the backdrop of thousands of tales of heroism, sacrifice, and resilience. Number 24 is a very interesting Norwegian film by director John Andreas Andersen, based on the incredible life story of Gunnar Sønsteby, who was a very influential figure in the Norwegian resistance against Nazi occupation. A fantastically crafted period drama, Number 24 tells not merely the historical account of war but one of emotion and the intricate moral way of the resistance.
A Framing Device with Emotional Weight
An aged Sønsteby is shown, performed by the veteran Erik Hivju, as he prepares to lecture a group of students in his hometown of Rjukan. The camera is there to record him at several moments of subdued anxiety, biting nervously at a stick as he prepares himself for the painful memories he has avoided for so long. These are the memories, Sønsteby called “the fifth drawer in his mind.” Based on this memory, the foundation of his lecture and the structure of the narrative in the film is composed. His speech lets us back-date and follow him on a trip through his childhood in 1937 and high-risk missions in his adulthood as the resistance codenamed “Number 24.”
Using a familiar device for storytelling, the choice to interlace Sønsteby’s lecture of today with his wartime experiences works well for Andersen. This double narrative not only provides context for the historical events but also lends gravity to the emotional wounds Sønsteby bears years after the war. The debates with the students, which test his beliefs and actions, remind him of the moral nuances that accompany war.
The Birth of a Resistance Fighter
This forces flashbacks with the young man, Sjur Vatne Brean Sønsteby, exploring in the misty mountains of Rjukan accompanied by his closest friend Erling Solheim (Jakob Maanum Trulsen). The chemistry is strong and promising, though this friendship turns into an unhappy alliance because both differ in politics. While the Nazism fills the former’s heart full of unrest with all their dreadful moves, Erling trivialized it by explaining to him the idea that ‘it’s mainly after the red communists.’. This ideological fissure subtly speaks to the tension that will characterize Sønsteby’s journey, in contrast to the complacency or complicity of others.
As war intensifies, Sønsteby emerges as an important figure of the Norwegian resistance movement. His non-confrontational attitude, coupled with his thoughtful approach, makes him an apt candidate for clandestine work. From typesetting anti-Nazi pamphlets to participating in several show-stopping sabotage activities, Sønsteby becomes “Number 24” by never giving up on his target. Unlike the film heroes in many war films-those smooth-talking supermen-Sønsteby’s silence is his most valuable asset. He circumvents the traps of espionage behind a web of aliases, manufactured documents, and safe houses to always be one step ahead of the enemy.
Andersen’s Masterful Tension-Building
With disaster movies like The Quake and The Burning Sea, John Andreas Andersen has proven to be a maestro of suspenseful set pieces. The espionage scenes in the movie are even more gripping, depicting the accuracy and coordination that occurs in resistance activities. Whether planting explosives in an arms factory or evading arrest during a daring operation, it is all taut with suspense. Fast editing with high attention to detail really put the audience into the stakes of every operation.
But Andersen does not let action be the sole motivator of the plot. The present-day scenes where Sønsteby addresses the students introduce a different kind of tension. These are not merely scenes to tell history but to wrestle with its moral content. The students’ searching questions compel Sønsteby to come to terms with the ethics of his wartime actions, especially the assassinations he carried out. This, in fact, creates introspective moments when his strong faith in the justness of his cause, freedom over oppression, is put to the test.
Morality, Sacrifice, and a Hint of Humor
One of the film’s most thought-provoking scenes arises when a student questions why Sønsteby and his comrades didn’t adopt Gandhi’s philosophy of non-violence. Sønsteby’s candid response—“Gandhi didn’t face the Nazis”—is both sobering and darkly humorous. It encapsulates the grim reality of fighting an enemy as ruthless as the Third Reich. This balance of somber reflection and subtle humor is a testament to Andersen’s nuanced direction.
While the film largely paints Sønsteby as a patriotic hero, it doesn’t shy away from the sacrifices and compromises demanded by his role. The weight of betrayal, the loss of comrades, and the brutal methods employed by both sides are all depicted with unflinching honesty. However, the film stops short of fully interrogating Sønsteby’s actions or exploring the psychological toll they may have taken on him. This patriotic lens, while stirring, may feel narrow to some viewers seeking a more complex portrayal of resistance.
A Question of Legacy
As Sønsteby recounts his wartime exploits, the film subtly raises questions about the cost of freedom and the burdens borne by those who fight for it. The framing device of the lecture allows Andersen to explore not only Sønsteby’s legacy but also the generational disconnect between those who lived through war and those who learn about it in history books. The students’ skepticism and moral questioning reflect a modern perspective, challenging the notion of absolute heroism.
The use of Radiohead’s “Exit Music (For a Film)” during a pivotal moment is a bold choice that underscores the emotional gravity of the scene. However, the anachronistic nature of the song feels somewhat at odds with the film’s meticulous period detail, creating a jarring tonal shift. While it succeeds in amplifying the emotional impact, it may divide audiences accustomed to more traditional scoring in historical dramas.
Conclusion
Number 24 is a compelling tribute to Gunnar Sønsteby, capturing both the physical dangers and emotional complexities of resistance. John Andreas Andersen’s blend of suspenseful set pieces and introspective character moments creates a film that is both thrilling and thought-provoking. While it occasionally leans heavily on patriotism, it effectively honors the sacrifices of a man whose unyielding resolve helped shape history.
In Number 24, Sønsteby’s story reminds us that the fight for freedom often comes at great personal cost. It’s a narrative that resonates not only as a historical account but as a timeless reflection on the choices we make in the face of oppression.
