Il portiere di Reestraat 16

Amsterdam, 1943. The city undergoes a rigid regime of occupation by Germany and, as in much of Europe occupied by the Nazis, the anti-Semitism is rampant. Agnes Jansen and her husband Emil are living an apparently quiet life in their apartment in Reestraat 16 but secretly they’re cooperating with the Dutch resistance that opposes the Nazi occupation. The problems begins when the couple decides to hide in Dalila Elfer’s house a Jewish friend sought by the Gestapo. Because of unfortunate coincidences Adam, the building’s doorman who’s a true anti-Semite, discovers everything and in exchange for his silence blackmails Agnes, forcing her to have sex with him and with his assistant Frank. The threats are becoming more insistent and also Dalila Elfer succumbs to the shady plot of Adam. A ruse devised by the two women manage to make Adam fall into a death trap, but the price will be very high. Dalila is arrested by the Gestapo and Agnes faces the suspects of Reestraat 16 condos.

Directed by Mario Salieri, Il portiere di Reestraat 16 leans on a strong ensemble — Alexandra Stein, Jane Lord, Silvia Bianco — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about screen titles of 2014.