‘Number 24’: Film Fantasy or True War Heroism?

By michael vivar

Netflix's latest release, NR. 24 (also known as Number 24), might already be on your radar if you're a fan of foreign language films and historical dramas.

The original film, which premiered on the streamer on New Year's Day, quickly garnered praise from critics and audiences alike.

Set during World War II, the John Andreas Andersen-directed story immerses viewers the Nazi invasion and occupation of Norway.

The film's gripping plot, filled with intrigue and spy craft, has fans wondering if such an incredible story could be based in truth.

Audiences follow the exploits of Gunnar Sønsteby through a quasi-documentary style. The film flashes back and forth between Sønsteby giving a lecture and his wartime past.

He spent the war as a resistance fighter in Oslo beginning as an anti-fascist propogandist with a secret British military unit where he was given the nom de guerre, Agent 24.

Sønsteby  and a group of friends went on to form the Oslo Gang who participated in everything from smuggling to hostage rescue. They became legends of European resistance.

The film hews quite closely to the real-life daring acts of Sønsteby who did, in fact, exist even though they would be unbelievable if they weren't so well documented.

After the events in the film, Sønsteby used his skills as a forger and emigrated to the US where he was a vaunted speaker on the university circuit.

Sønsteby was traumatized by his experiences. He still felt a duty to recount the horrors of war for the posterity of future generations until his death at 94 in 2012.

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'Number 24' True Story