“Riphagen the Untouchable” is a Dutch wartime thriller about the infamous criminal Andries Riphagen. He’s a chameleon, blending into the shadows until it’s time to strike. His only loyalty is to his greed and personal gain. As he becomes more powerful and untouchable, he preys upon those who are most vulnerable. The film follows the brave efforts of one man who seeks to bring Riphagen to justice and put an end to his reign of terror. Through twists and turns, the film keeps viewers on the edge of their seats until its explosive climax.
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Review
If you’re looking for a historical drama that will leave you with goosebumps and an intense sense of unease, look no further than “Riphagen the Untouchable”. This 2016 Dutch film is based on the true story of Andries Riphagen, a notorious criminal who became infamous for collaborating with the Nazis during World War II. Directed by Pieter Kuijpers, this gripping tale manages to capture the terror and desperation of a country under occupation while simultaneously highlighting the moral gray areas that arise in times of war.
From the very first scene, “Riphagen the Untouchable” makes it clear that it’s not here to play nice. We see Riphagen (played by Jeroen van Koningsbrugge) walking through a bombed-out street, casually smoking a cigarette as chaos reigns around him. He stops to survey the damage before calmly making his way to a nearby bar where he engages in some shady dealings. It’s immediately apparent that this isn’t your typical hero’s journey; Riphagen is not someone we’re supposed to root for.
But that doesn’t mean he’s not compelling to watch. Van Koningsbrugge brings a level of charisma and dry humor to the role that makes it difficult to look away from him, even as he commits increasingly heinous acts. The supporting cast is equally strong, with actors like Sigrid ten Napel and Kay Greidanus adding depth and nuance to their roles.
At its core, “Riphagen the Untouchable” is a story about power and corruption. Riphagen uses his connections with both the Dutch police force and Nazi officials to amass wealth and influence at the expense of anyone who gets in his way. He preys on Jewish families who are trying to escape persecution, promising them safe passage out of the country in exchange for exorbitant fees – only to turn them over to the Nazis for a profit. It’s a chilling portrayal of a man who has no regard for human life, and it’s made all the more terrifying by the fact that it’s based on true events.
One of the most interesting aspects of “Riphagen the Untouchable” is the way it explores the idea of complicity. Many of the characters in the film are aware of Riphagen’s crimes, yet choose to look the other way – either out of fear or because they stand to benefit from his actions. It’s a sobering reminder that evil doesn’t always present itself in overt, dramatic ways; sometimes it looks like turning a blind eye to injustice.
The film also delves into the complexities of resistance during wartime. We meet characters who are actively working to undermine Nazi rule, yet their actions often have unintended consequences. The moral ambiguity that permeates every aspect of “Riphagen the Untouchable” is what makes it so compelling – there are no easy answers or clear-cut heroes here.
Visually, “Riphagen the Untouchable” is stunning. The cinematography captures both the beauty and horror of Amsterdam during wartime, while also showcasing some truly impressive set design and costuming. The score by Bart Westerlaken is haunting and atmospheric, adding to the overall sense of unease that permeates every scene.
Despite its heavy subject matter, “Riphagen the Untouchable” is not without its moments of levity. There are several scenes between Riphagen and his right-hand man Van Gein (played by Peter Blok) that are darkly comedic – reminding us that even in times of great darkness, people still find ways to laugh.
It’s worth noting that “Riphagen the Untouchable” has not been without controversy. Some critics have accused it of downplaying Riphagen’s crimes in order to make him a more sympathetic character, while others have taken issue with the film’s portrayal of Jewish characters as passive and helpless. These are valid critiques, and it’s important to engage with them when discussing the film.
However, I would argue that “Riphagen the Untouchable” ultimately succeeds in its goal of depicting the horrors of war and exploring the moral gray areas that arise in times of conflict. It’s a challenging, thought-provoking film that will stay with you long after the credits roll – a true testament to its power and impact.
Technical Data
- Release : 2016-09-22
- Runtime : 132
- Genre : Drama, History, Thriller
- Cast : Jeroen van Koningsbrugge as Andries Riphagen, Kay Greidanus as Jan van Liempd, Lisa Zweerman as Greetje Riphagen, Anna Raadsveld as Betje Wery, Antoinette Jelgersma as Esther Schaap
- Crew : Herman P. Koerts as Editor, Bart Middelburg as Book, Alfred Schaaf as Production Design, Pieter Kuijpers as Director, Pieter Kuijpers as Producer
- Revenue : 0
- Budget : $2,577,217
- Company : Pupkin, VPRO
- Popularity : 12.734
- Summary : Amsterdam, Netherlands, 1944, during World War II. Andries Riphagen, a powerful underworld boss, has made his fortune by putting his many criminal talents at the service of the Nazi occupiers. But the long battle is about to end and the freedom fighters, who have been persecuted and murdered for years, are abandoning their hideouts to mercilessly hunt down those who have collaborated with the killers.
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