The Assault

The Assault 2012

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Plot Summary

Discover the intricate plot of The Assault (2012). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.


The story unfolds through a brief prologue followed by five distinct “episodes” that span from 1945 to 1981. The first episode begins in January 1945, in the outskirts of Haarlem, where twelve-year-old Anton Steenwijk lives with his family under the harsh realities of Nazi Occupation. One fateful evening, chaos erupts when shots ring out, leading to the death of Fake Ploeg, a notorious Dutch collaborator. In a frantic bid for concealment, the Korteweg family, Anton’s next-door neighbors, transfer Ploeg’s lifeless body to the Steenwijks’ yard. This moment ignites a devastating chain reaction, resulting in the brutal murder of Anton’s family and the destruction of their home, as he is imprisoned in a dark cell at the local police station, where an unseen young woman prisoner offers him a glimmer of comfort.

As the Nazi authorities escort Anton to Amsterdam, a courageous German soldier makes the ultimate sacrifice to protect him during a deadly ambush on their convoy. Anton is then taken in by his aunt and uncle in the city, where the echoes of his traumatic past begin to shape his future. Over the following decades, Anton pursues a career as an anesthesiologist, marries twice, and raises two children with each of his wives. Yet, beneath this facade of a normal life lies a convoluted tapestry of repressed memories and an incomplete understanding of the tragedy that claimed his family.

Throughout the years, Anton’s ongoing struggle with fragmented recollections leaves him longing for clarity, grappling with the motivations behind that catastrophic night. He stumbles upon truths through serendipitous encounters rather than seeking out witnesses or survivors. As emotions swell within him, Anton confronts the moral ramifications of not just his actions, but also those of his parents and brother.

Amidst the backdrop of a transforming post-war Dutch society, marked by emerging political tensions surrounding the Cold War, the anti-establishment Provo movement, and a significant anti-nuclear demonstration, Anton’s revelations continue to unfold. Upon returning to Haarlem for the first time since 1952, he is somberly drawn to a monument honoring his parents alongside 29 others who lost their lives in retaliation for Ploeg’s assassination. Nostalgia clashes with the heavy burden of history as he reconnects with old acquaintances, including the Beumers, whose presence serves as a haunting reminder of the past.

Time brings unanticipated reunions, including an encounter with Fake (played by Grégori Derangère), the son of a former schoolmate and a man who shares a name with Ploeg. They find common ground in their narratives, but their experiences diverge; while Anton is left orphaned, Fake’s family, despite being collaborators, remarkably rebuilt their lives. However, Fake chooses to overlook his father’s role in the misfortunes that befell the Steenwijks, instead projecting blame onto the Communist resistance fighters for the ensuing violence. While Anton empathizes with Fake’s sorrow, he firmly rejects this narrative, making clear the brutality that ravaged his family due to Fascist actions.

As their conversation deepens, Fake uncovers his own guilt and sorrow, admitting he has often considered Anton’s plight but has never fully recognized the trauma others bear. This heartfelt exchange emphasizes that empathy and understanding can be vital healing forces even amid the darkest tragedies.

In a reflective moment at a 1966 funeral, Anton finds himself entangled in poignant discussions among old resistance members recalling their storied past. He becomes captivated by a whispered account of Ploeg’s assassination, igniting memories of that fateful night. Cor Takes (no actor name provided), a seasoned veteran of the fight against fascism, emerges as an unexpected confidant, engaging Anton in a fervent dialogue about justice and morality.

As the night progresses, Anton pieces together elusive fragments surrounding Ploeg’s assassination, including the calculated intricacy that marked its planning. He also starts to uncover the identity of the compassionate woman who comforted him during the chaos of that night, her presence remaining indelible in his memory. In collaboration with Takes, whose recollections blur the lines between fact and fiction, Anton struggles with the ambiguity surrounding his past.

Years later, as the joy of becoming a grandfather approaches, Anton faces another surprise encounter with a neighbor integral to the aftermath of Ploeg’s death. This meeting reveals deep moral dilemmas faced by the Kortewegs that night and resonates as a powerful reminder of the choices made amid uncertainty and turmoil. As Anton delves further into the mysteries of that long-buried evening, he confronts the enduring influence of memory and the unyielding quest for justice that defines all who lived through the turmoil.

Timeline

Track the key events of The Assault (2012) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.


The Beginning

In January 1945, twelve-year-old Anton Steenwijk lives in Haarlem under the oppressive rule of Nazi Occupation. His childhood is abruptly shattered when a violent incident leads to the death of a notorious Dutch collaborator, Fake Ploeg.

January 1945 Haarlem

The Chaos Unfolds

Following the assassination of Fake Ploeg, Anton's next-door neighbors, the Kortewegs, hide his body in the Steenwijks' yard. This reckless act triggers a horrific sequence of events that culminates in the murder of Anton's family.

Steenwijk home, Haarlem

Imprisonment

After the tragedy, Anton finds himself imprisoned at the local police station. In the darkness of his cell, he receives a moment of comfort from an unseen young woman who shares his confinement, hinting at the resilience of the human spirit amidst despair.

Police Station, Haarlem

A Soldier's Sacrifice

As the Nazi authorities transfer Anton to Amsterdam, a German soldier intervenes during an ambush to save him. This brave act of defiance becomes a pivotal moment in Anton's life, linking his fate to those who chose to protect rather than persecute.

Road to Amsterdam

A New Home

Now an orphan, Anton moves in with his aunt and uncle in Amsterdam. The shadows of his traumatic past loom large as he grapples with his new reality, determined to forge a future while haunted by memories of his lost family.

Amsterdam

Life as an Anesthesiologist

Over the years, Anton pursues a career as an anesthesiologist, initially finding solace in his profession. As he marries twice and has children, he struggles to maintain a facade of normalcy while wrestling with the ghosts of his childhood.

Fragmented Memories

Throughout his life, Anton deals with fragmented recollections of the traumatic events from 1945. His yearning for clarity drives him to unexpectedly uncover truths about that fateful night, often through chance encounters rather than direct inquiries.

Return to Haarlem

In 1981, Anton returns to Haarlem for the first time since fleeing the city. At a monument honoring his parents and others who died for Ploeg’s assassination, he confronts a haunting blend of nostalgia and historical burden.

1981 Haarlem

Meeting Fake

During his visit, Anton encounters Fake, the son of a former schoolmate, who shares his name with Ploeg. As they discuss their vastly different paths, Anton confronts Fake's denial about his father's complicated legacy as a collaborator.

Haarlem

Empathy and Guilt

As Anton and Fake delve deeper into their pasts, Fake reveals his own feelings of guilt and his awareness of Anton’s losses. This emotional dialogue serves as a powerful reminder of the shared humanity that exists even in the aftermath of tragedy.

Whispers of the Past

At a funeral in 1966, Anton listens to old resistance members recount tales of their fight against fascism. A whispered account of Ploeg's assassination reignites Anton's memories, sending him on a quest for clarity regarding that chaotic night.

1966

Conversations with Cor Takes

Cor Takes, a fellow veteran of the resistance, becomes Anton's confidant, discussing themes of justice and morality. Their shared recollections blur lines between fact and fiction, shedding light on the complexity of Ploeg’s assassination.

Facing Moral Dilemmas

Years later, Anton encounters a neighbor connected to the aftermath of Ploeg's death. This meeting challenges Anton to confront difficult moral dilemmas and the choices people made during times of chaos, highlighting the weight of history.

The Quest for Justice

As Anton reflects on the enduring impact of memory, he acknowledges the unending quest for justice that continues to shape his life. Each revelation brings him closer to understanding the personal and collective traumas stemming from that tumultuous era.

Characters

Meet the characters that bring The Assault (2012) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.


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

Setting

Uncover the settings of The Assault (2012), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.


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

Themes

Explore the core themes of The Assault (2012). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.


🕊️

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.

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