Nr. 24: From Accountant to Legendary Insurgent!

 

An Epic of Resistance!

 As a young 22-year-old accountant whose life was changed by the Nazi occupation, Gunnar Sonsteby became one of Norway's greatest resistance heroes. As the legendary leader of the Oslo Gang, Sonsteby made history with his daring operations against the Nazi occupation forces, and his story is an epic of the struggle for freedom. Directed by John Andreas Andersen, “Nr. 24”, directed by John Andreas Andersen, is both a historical document and an impressive movie with strong messages for today's world.

Let us first give some historical background about the Norwegian Front in World War II:

Norway's story in World War II began with the sudden invasion of Nazi Germany on April 9, 1940, despite the country's policy of neutrality. This invasion, dubbed Operation Weserübung, was part of Hitler's plan to strengthen his dominance in the North Atlantic and gain strategic superiority over Britain. The German navy entered the Oslo Fjord, while paratroopers seized the country's major airfields. Although the Norwegian army put up resistance, it could not mount an effective defense due to being caught unprepared and the superior strength of the German army.

In the first days of the occupation, King Haakon VII and members of the government fled the Nazi forces and moved towards the north of the country. British and French forces came to Norway's aid, but this support was short-lived as Germany attacked France. In June 1940, the Norwegian army formally surrendered and the royal family went into exile in England. The puppet government, led by Vidkun Quisling, cooperated with the Nazi occupation administration, while the country's strategic resources and industry were put at the service of the German war machine.

After the occupation, both civilian and military resistance movements quickly organized in Norway. The military resistance organization called Milorg coordinated with the government-in-exile in England, organizing acts of sabotage and gathering intelligence. In particular, acts of sabotage against German heavy water production facilities seriously disrupted Nazi Germany's nuclear program. The civil resistance, on the other hand, published underground newspapers, made illegal radio broadcasts and helped Jews escape to Sweden. Oslo-based resistance groups carried out daring operations against German targets in the city, while resistance fighters in the countryside took advantage of the mountainous terrain to wage guerrilla warfare.

For occupied Norway, 1945 was a complex period of hope and anxiety. As the signs of the collapse of Nazi Germany grew more and more evident, the main concern for Norwegians was what would happen to the country when the Germans withdrew.

While the Soviet army advanced in northern Norway, some 350,000 German troops were still stationed in the rest of the country. Even after Hitler's suicide, the commander of German forces in Norway, Franz Böhme, refused to surrender. Resistance leaders in Oslo feared the city would be destroyed. There was fear that the Nazis might use the “scorched earth” tactic.

During these critical days, the Milorg (Military Organization) and civilian resistance groups were on high alert. Resistance groups such as the Oslo Gang organized covert operations to thwart possible German sabotage plans. In particular, power stations, bridges and other critical infrastructure facilities were closely monitored.

On May 7, 1945, with the German surrender, German troops in Norway were forced to lay down their arms. However, the surrender process was unexpectedly orderly. The resistance movement made great efforts to prevent revenge attacks. Quisling supporters and collaborators were arrested and special measures were taken to avoid chaos.

On May 13, the return of King Haakon VII was the true symbol of freedom. Tens of thousands of people gathered in Oslo harbor to welcome their exiled king. Five years of darkness were officially over. But the scars of the war run deep. Especially in the north, the retreating German troops left behind burned towns and villages.

The fact that Norway suffered relatively little damage in the last days of the war was largely due to the success of the resistance movement. The disciplined nature of Milorg and the cool-headed attitude of the resistance leaders contributed to the orderly German surrender. The preservation of much of Oslo's historic fabric was one of the most important legacies left for future generations.

But the joy of victory did not last long. The post-war period began a process of reckoning with collaborators and healing social wounds. The trial of traitors like Vidkun Quisling turned into a national reckoning. Norwegian society was forced to confront its past while enjoying the euphoria of freedom.

This period was a turning point in which the foundations of modern Norway were laid. The maturity and discipline shown in the last days of the war was reflected in the country's post-war reconstruction. Norway quickly became one of the most stable and prosperous countries in Europe.

Today, memories of the last days of the war are an important part of Norway's collective memory. Liberation Day, celebrated every year on May 8, is not only a celebration of victory, but also a reminder of the value of freedom and democracy.

In order to get to know the hero of this story, it is important to know the Norwegian Resistance well.

Norway's story of resistance began with the sudden invasion of Nazi Germany on April 9, 1940. The German warships that appeared in the Oslo fjord that morning heralded a dark period that would change the fate of the country. Initially, the Norwegian army offered resistance, but after two months of fighting, the country fell completely under Nazi control. King Haakon VII and the government fled to London, but this was to be the beginning of the resistance, not the end.

From the first days, the Norwegian resistance had two branches: civilian and military. The civilian resistance movement was called “Hjemmefronten” (Home Front). This movement ranged from simple sabotage to complex intelligence operations. In particular, the country's geography - deep fjords, steep mountains and vast forests - gave the resistance a natural advantage.

The resistance movement became more organized over time. Working closely with the British Special Operations Executive (SOE), Norwegian resistance fighters began to organize effective operations against the Nazi occupation forces. Perhaps their most famous operation was the sabotage of German heavy water production facilities. This operation severely disrupted Nazi Germany's nuclear program and influenced the course of the war.

Resistance fighters had to contend not only with the enemy, but also with harsh natural conditions. Cold temperatures of up to -30 degrees Celsius in winter, difficult terrain and the pressure of being under constant surveillance made the daily struggle for survival even more difficult. But despite all these difficulties, the Norwegian resistance managed to become one of the most effective resistance movements against the Nazi occupation.

During the years of occupation, around 40,000 Norwegians took an active part in the resistance movement. Around 1,400 of them lost their lives and thousands were sent to concentration camps. However, the resistance did not only wage armed struggle; they also published underground newspapers, gathered intelligence and provided a constant flow of information to the Allied forces.

The Oslo Gang (Oslogjengen) was perhaps the most effective and professional organization of the Norwegian resistance movement. Led by Gunnar “Kjakan” Sonsteby, the group became known for its daring and complex operations against the Nazi occupation forces in the capital Oslo. The secret of the group's success lay in its members' ability to appear as ordinary citizens.

During the day, the gang members appeared as ordinary citizens going about their normal business, while at night they organized sabotage operations against the Nazi occupation forces. Among their most important operations were the destruction of the ID card printing center used by the occupation forces, the blowing up of weapons depots and the assassination of Nazi collaborators.

One of the most remarkable features of the Oslo Gang was its ability to carry out operations with almost no casualties. Behind this success lay Sonsteby's meticulous planning skills and the extraordinary discipline of the group members. Before each operation, weeks of reconnaissance were conducted and everything was planned down to the last detail.

The group's activities were not limited to armed actions. The Oslo Gang also gathered vital intelligence information for the Allied forces. In particular, information on the movements, troop deployments and defense systems of German naval bases in Norway played a critical role in the operations of British bombers.

In the final stages of the occupation, the Oslo Gang's activities intensified. The group worked hard to thwart possible Nazi plans for destruction during the withdrawal. It was largely due to their efforts that Oslo's critical infrastructure was preserved and the city survived the occupation with minimal damage.

After the war, most members of the Oslo Gang quietly returned to their normal lives. Some never spoke about their experiences, others only began to share their experiences years later. But their courage and sacrifice remains one of the brightest chapters in Norway's struggle for freedom.

Here is the true story of the hero we are about to tell...

On a cold Oslo morning, at the age of 22, Gunnar Sonsteby, a young accountant who saw Nazi tanks invading his city, had no idea that day would change his life forever. Growing up in the mountainous region of Rjukan with a passion for skiing, the young man was nicknamed “Kjakan” by his friends because of his prominent chin. No one could have predicted that he would become one of Norway's greatest resistance heroes.

In the early days of the occupation, Sonsteby, like many Norwegians, thought the Nazi regime would be temporary. But the brutality of the occupation forces and the gradual loss of freedom for his country forced him to take action. Initially starting with small propaganda activities, the life of resistance soon became much more dangerous and complex. While he roamed the streets of Oslo as an ordinary cyclist, he was actually spying on Nazi headquarters and gathering intelligence.

Sonsteby's most remarkable characteristic was his extraordinary intelligence and cold-bloodedness, which he hid behind his ordinariness. He managed to live under forty different identities. One day he could be a polite office worker, the next a factory worker. Thanks to this ability, he was never caught even once, despite all the efforts of the Gestapo. In fact, when the Nazis prepared reward posters to capture him, he took it upon himself to distribute them, and the Su Defacto situation is probably one of the most ironic acts of resistance in history.

As the leader of the resistance group known as the “Oslo Gang”, Sonsteby practiced strict discipline during the war years. He refused to drink alcohol and avoided romantic relationships. He had only one focus: Norway's freedom. Working closely with the British Special Operations Executive (SOE), Sonsteby played a critical role in the planning and execution of countless acts of sabotage. One of his most important operations was the destruction of the Nazis' identity card production center, which dealt a serious blow to the occupation forces' control system.

After the war, Sonsteby, unlike most heroes of the resistance, did not fall silent. On the contrary, he made it his life's mission to pass on the value of democracy and freedom to future generations. He gave lectures to thousands of young people and spoke at schools. However, he did not share the details of some operations during the war with anyone until his death. Perhaps these secrets went with him as witnesses to the dark side of the freedom struggle.

In 2012, at the age of 94, Sonsteby died, leaving behind not only countless medals and decorations, but also a timeless symbol of the struggle for freedom and democracy. His bronze statue in the center of Oslo was inspired by a photograph of a young man riding his bicycle around the city. It stands as a silent witness to the fact that seemingly ordinary people can accomplish extraordinary things.

Sonsteby's story reminds us that heroism is not always flashy, that sometimes the greatest courage lies in the ability to appear ordinary. Today, in a world where freedom and democracy are again under threat, his life story is more important than ever. Because the most important lesson Sonsteby taught us is that freedom is never guaranteed and that we must always be vigilant to protect it.

Successful director John Andreas Andersen has brought the story of this historical hero to the big screen as an impressive drama for Netflix. Andersen is known for disaster films such as “The Quake” and “The Burning Sea”, but with “Nr. 24”, he took a bold step into a completely different field, the historical drama genre.

The movie unfolds in two parallel timelines: On the one hand, young Sonstebyeby's (Sjur Vatne Brean) struggle for resistance during the war years, and on the other, older Sonstebyeby (Erik Hivju) confronting his past in a lecture to students. This narrative structure not only tells the story of a war hero, but also questions the moral dimensions of heroism and resistance.

In telling Sonstebyeby's story, Andersen prefers to focus on the character's extraordinary courage hidden behind his ordinariness, rather than on flashy action sequences. While remaining faithful to historical facts, the film invites today's viewers to reflect and question what Sonstebyeby's struggle for freedom means in the modern world.

Let's take a closer look at the movie...

“Nr. 24” is a moving drama about the true story of Norwegian resistance fighter Gunnar ‘Kjakan’ Sonstebyeby during World War II. Directed by John Andreas Andersen, the film features strong performances by Sjur Vatne Brean as the young Sonstebyeby and Erik Hivju as the older Sonstebyeby.

The movie unfolds in two different time periods: A lecture given by the elderly Sonstebyeby to students in the present day and resistance activities during World War II. This narrative structure provides an effective backdrop for questioning the moral complexities of heroism and war.

The story of Sonstebyeby, an ordinary 22-year-old accountant turned one of Norway's most wanted saboteurs, forms the central axis of the film. Leading the secret resistance movement in Oslo, Sonstebyeby organizes dangerous operations against both German and Norwegian Nazi collaborators.

Technically, the film is also remarkable. The scenes from the 1940s are filmed on 35mm and the modern scenes on 16mm, successfully reflecting the different atmospheres of the periods. In addition to Kristoffer Lo's contemporary music, the use of Radiohead's “Exit Music”, although controversial, strengthens the emotional tone of the story.

Sonstebyeby's character is characterized by the strict rules he sets for himself during the war. He is portrayed as a character who abstains from women, alcohol and all the pleasures of life for the sake of freedom. This theme of sacrifice offers a thought-provoking perspective on the price of freedom for today's viewers.

The life of Norway's most decorated war hero is presented in an impressive movie. "Nr. 24” is proof that true heroes don't always have cloaks, and that sometimes the greatest courage is hidden in the ability to appear ordinary.

The film not only tells the story of a war hero, but also questions the moral dimensions of difficult decisions made during wartime. The scenes in which the elderly Sonstebyeby is forced to confront the relatives of those he killed in the past at the conference are the most powerful moments of the film.

In terms of production values, the movie is quite successful. Although most of the Oslo scenes were shot in Lithuania, the period atmosphere is convincingly constructed. Pål Ulvik Rokseth's cinematography captures an impressive visual language both in period scenes and modern times.

Although the film does not focus too much on Sonstebyeby's personal life, it effectively conveys his determination and struggle for freedom. Instead of being a charismatic hero, the character is portrayed as an ordinary-looking figure who accomplishes extraordinary things, which makes the story more realistic.

The movie takes on a particularly topical relevance today, when there is a renewed war in Europe. Sonstebyeby's reflections on freedom and democracy carry strong messages about the importance of preserving these values in the modern world.

In modern scenes, the students' questioning raises questions about the morality of wartime actions. At this point, the film skillfully navigates the fine line between heroism and terror.

Instead of progressing chronologically, the story is told back and forth between the past and the present. Although this narrative structure sometimes leads to pacing problems, it generally strengthens the emotional impact of the story.

The film depicts Sonstebyeby's use of multiple identities to escape the Nazis and organize the resistance movement with impressive tension. However, these action scenes never overshadow the human dimension of the movie.

The long-term effects of actions taken during the war are effectively portrayed, especially in the scenes where the elderly Sonstebyeby confronts his memories. In this respect, the movie stands out not only as a war movie but also as a story of reckoning.

The side characters in the movie, especially other members of the resistance movement, add depth to the story. Each character's motivations and conflicts reflect the difficult choices people face in wartime.

While depicting an important part of Norway's war history, the film manages to connect with modern audiences through universal themes. Issues such as freedom, sacrifice and moral responsibility are thought-provokingly addressed in a contemporary context.

Sonstebyeby's story of transformation shows how an ordinary citizen can turn into a resistance fighter under extraordinary circumstances. In this respect, the movie conveys the message that every individual has the potential to fight for freedom.

At the end of the movie, although the war has been won, the celebrations of victory are replaced by deeper reflection. Sonstebyeby's dialogues with the students emphasize the true cost of war and the value of peace.

In telling the story of Norway's most decorated resistance fighter, the film reinterprets the concept of heroism. Far from being a classic war movie, it is a thought-provoking work about the complex nature of the struggle for freedom and justice.

In conclusion, Nr. 24 can be considered both a historical document and an impressive movie with strong messages for today's world. With its technical achievements, strong acting and thought-provoking themes, it can be considered an important work not only for Norwegian cinema but also for world cinema.

Now let's draw a parable...

Although not as much as during the Nazi era, today's Turkey is experiencing similar problems to Norway. A ruthless dictatorship, genocide-like practices, bribery, lawlessness and nepotism are at an all-time high. All the seams of Turkey are missing.

And of course these days will end.

Watching the movie Nr. 24, one of the most thought-provoking scenes was when the elderly Sonstebyeby had to confront the children of Nazi collaborators in a lecture to students. It is not hard to see that a similar reckoning is at our doorstep. The children of today's volunteer supporters, partisan media, those who turned a blind eye to the lawlessness, those who remained silent and active collaborators will be sitting at the same desks with us tomorrow. We can already feel the shame and pain we will see in their eyes.

This movie shows us that sooner or later the dark pages of history come to light. As we read about the end of Quisling and his supporters in Norway, we also get a glimpse of the history books that will be written in the Turkey of the future. Most of all, we will pity the children of today's relentless AKP and Erdoğan defenders. Because they, like the children of Nazi collaborators, will have to face the dark legacy of their parents.

The most important lesson of Sonstebyeby is that freedom and democracy require constant vigilance. What is happening in Turkey today teaches us the same lesson. Sooner or later this dark period will end and a great reckoning will follow. When that day comes, just like we saw in “Nr. 24”, some will be remembered as heroes, while others will be relegated to the dustbin of history!