‘The Bombardment’, directed by Ate de Jong, is a Dutch war drama. The film is set in May 1940, in the city of Rotterdam, Netherlands. The film follows the story of Vincent de Graaf, a baker’s assistant and a starting amateur boxer. Vincent meets Eva von Heerie, a rich daughter of German refugees, and falls in love with her. However, Eva is engaged to an older gentleman, Dirk Lagerwaard, to ensure the safety of her family. Vincent, on the other hand, wants to emigrate to the United States to treat his sick brother.
However, life takes a dark turn when the German troops attack the Netherlands. Both Vincent and Eva try to navigate their lives and feelings as they navigate the war-torn country around them. The cinematography of the film adds an authentic touch to the historically charged story. If you also want to know where the exciting movie was shot, you’ll find everything we know here!
The filming locations of the bombing
The shooting of ‘The Bombardment’ started in May 2012 in and around the city of Rotterdam to fully capture the reality of the story. Some scenes also take place in the city of Utrecht in the Netherlands and Budapest, Hungary. Here’s a deep dive into the specific filming locations!
Rotterdam, Netherlands
Rotterdam is the second largest city in the Netherlands with a history dating back to 1270. The city was founded around the dam on the Rotte River, which led to its name. Located in South Holland, the city was heavily bombed on May 14, 1940 during World War II. The aerial bombardment was intended to help the German troops in the city and to break the Dutch resistance. The attack, also known as the Rotterdam Blitz, serves as the backdrop for the film’s story.
The largest seaport in all of Europe serves as the residence for the characters in the story. The bustling city that serves as a waterway gateway to Western Europe was used to portray life before the devastating attack by the German forces. Today, Rotterdam stands tall as a sign of Dutch prosperity, despite the scars left by its enemies.
Utrecht, Netherlands
Utrecht is one of the many underrated tourist attractions around the world. It is the fourth largest city in all of the Netherlands with buildings dating back to the High Middle Ages. The city serves as the religious center of the country and is home to several medieval monuments. It is also known for its tree-lined canals and is a prestigious university. Before the rise of Amsterdam, Utrecht was considered the most important city in the Netherlands.
After the bombing of Rotterdam, the German troops threatened to do the same in Utrecht if the Dutch did not surrender. Given the heavy toll of the Blitz and the significance of Utrecht, the Dutch surrendered to the Germans and signed a capitulation the morning after the attack.
Budapest, Hungary
Located along the Danube River, the Hungarian capital is the ninth largest city in the European Union. Budapest has undergone several changes in its ruling existence after Hungarians settled here in the late 9th century. Given its rich history and beautiful architecture, the central part of Budapest along the Danube River has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Several scenes for ‘The Bombardment’ were shot in Budapest between June 12, 2012 and July 19, 2012.
Dordrecht, Netherlands
Dordrecht, also known as Dordt, is the oldest city in the Netherlands. Just like Rotterdam, the city is located in South Holland, with a rich history and culture. The city faced its own trials and tribulations during the end of World War II. Several scenes for the 2012 film were shot in this city, along with some scenes from Zeeuws-Vlaanderen in the Netherlands.
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