As World War II began in 1939, Norway declared neutrality. Before hostilities erupted, Sweden supplied 85% of the iron ore essential to Germany’s weapons production, with Narvik serving as the key shipping point.
Recognizing Narvik’s strategic importance, Germany invaded Norway, falsely claiming it was to protect the country from British and French aggression.
Meanwhile, Norwegian neutrality soldiers were dispatched to Narvik, including Corporal Gunnar Tofte (Carl Martin Eggesbø), who was eager to reunite with his family.
Strategic Narvik becomes the battleground of loyalties and betrayals (Photo: Narvik/Nordisk Film)Upon his arrival, Gunnar and his unit learned their leave had been canceled but remained unaware of Germany’s invasion. Gunnar managed to visit his family briefly for his son’s birthday before returning late to his base, only to find Narvik under attack.
German forces had violated Norway’s neutrality, sinking Norwegian ships en route. Despite the tensions, Major Sigurd Omdal decided to temporarily stand down to avoid mass bloodshed.
The following morning, Ingrid Tofte (Kristine Hartgen) discovered German soldiers occupying the hotel where she worked. Although wary of endangering her family, she secretly assisted British representatives by guiding them to a mountain lodge. Her attempts to flee the town were thwarted as German forces blocked civilian exits.
Sabotaging German Operations
Elsewhere, Gunnar joined a mission led by Major Omberg (Henrik Mestad) to disrupt Germany’s iron ore supply by targeting the Nordal bridge. Assigned to retrieve dynamite near the bridge, Gunnar learned his wife and son were on a train heading toward it.
As Gunnar and his team prepared the explosives, they were interrupted by civilians approaching, among them Ingrid and Ole.
After directing his family toward safety, Gunnar resumed his mission but was captured as German troops attacked during the operation. Although the bridge was destroyed, Gunnar and his unit were taken as prisoners of war.
As war rages, personal sacrifices reveal the true cost of neutrality (Photo: Narvik/Nordisk Film)Ingrid witnessed her husband’s capture and later sought help from German Consul Fritz Wussow (Christoph Bach), who had taken an interest in her. Wussow promised to advocate for Gunnar with General Dietl.
Meanwhile, Ingrid was coerced by the English Consul to locate German artillery positions. Before she could act, the British Navy launched an assault, sinking German ships. Forced to shelter in their home, Ingrid and Ole narrowly survived when their house was struck during the raid.
The Fight for Narvik
Weeks later, German forces encircled Narvik while French and Polish troops launched counterattacks. Gunnar, held in a prisoner-of-war camp, learned of his father’s death before being freed by French soldiers.
In the middle of the ongoing battles, Ingrid aided the Germans to secure medical treatment for Ole, who was injured. Her actions caused friction with her colleague Bjørg, who spread rumors about her relationship with Wussow.
Gunnar’s unit returned to Narvik, aiming to neutralize German artillery. Successfully destroying a cannon, they confronted remaining German forces.
When Gunnar reunited with Ingrid, tensions arose over her cooperation with the Germans, as he accused her of betrayal. Their heated exchange was cut short by renewed air raids, forcing Ingrid to prioritize her son’s safety and leave town.
At the docks, Ingrid faced hostility from locals branding her a traitor. Just as she prepared to depart, Gunnar reappeared, choosing to remain with his family. Together, they escaped Narvik on a fishing ship, leaving the devastated town behind.
A Pivotal Moment in History
The victory at Narvik marked Hitler’s first defeat, as German forces were pushed back. However, the triumph was fleeting. British and French troops withdrew to focus on Germany’s invasion of France, leaving Norway vulnerable. By June 1940, Norwegian forces surrendered, and the country remained under German occupation until 1945.
The events portrayed in Narvik highlight the challenges faced by civilians caught in the turmoil of war. Ingrid represents the struggles of ordinary people forced into impossible decisions, while Gunnar embodies the conflict between survival and patriotism.
The film underscores the resilience of a nation thrust into a battle it never sought, capturing Norway’s enduring spirit despite one of its darkest chapters.
