D_vd_B Oss is a city with a violent past, a city which has seen numerous changes both on industrial, criminal and civilized levels. These changes were seen all over the Netherlands, but for that period of time no example was so striking or extreme like it was in Oss.André van Duren is a case of good Dutch film-maker which has lots of quality and not too much work. He has proved his skill with historical portraits in the past and De Bende van Oss is one of the few successful attempt to portray the region of Oss in that period. Cleverly shot in Ravenstein, Herpen, Keent and Oss itself, with the exception of some studio work, all feels quite authentic.The cast is mostly put together from Brabanders (the province in which Oss lies) and this works well enough. Of course, they cannot speak with the right dialect for the film should be understood all over the Netherlands, but that doesn't bother much. The acting balanced between realistic and over the top.This is the case with the entire film. It's brought with realism but there are many grotesque elements present. Somehow the film manages to find a delicate balance between those two. The soundtrack by Paleis van Boem works nice and gives it a special touch.There are some problems with the film, like the gangleader is the least scary and convincing of the entire gang and he is more clown than Capone at times (not in a good way) but the rest of the cast carries him well enough so you won't really be bothered by it.This film did cost about 3,5 mil euros which is a large budget for the Netherlands. If you think they transformed and built a convincing world with that money on par with 50+ mil Hollywood productions I can't help to wonder how we in our humble country manage to do it sometimes.A good film, sometimes a little unsolid and at times plain great with many human touches, this is a film of which the Dutch people can be proud and will largely entertain themselves with.

rbfokker De bende van Oss provides a convincing historical image of a dark period influenced by the obscene marriage of capitalism and catholicism in the southern part of the Netherlands during the thirties of the 20th century, concentrated in a small town by the name of Oss. De bende means 'the gang' but has another meaning as well: terrible disorder, filth, dirt. Exploitation of workers, bribe, blackmail, rape and murder became a hopeless daily routine and in the end 'de bende' even reached the Dutch Government at the time. The daring and wonderfully detailed script is based on a mosaic of true stories, gathered from a longer period of time: from the late 19th century up to WW II in which the industrialization in Oss took place. As the police from the north of the Netherlands comes in to restore law and order, a young woman - Jean Harlow blond Sylvia Hoeks can play effortless all the necessary looks - tries to escape from her fate as a whore and from the filth that surrounds her and her family, deeply involved in crime as well. In the end she succeeds, but she - as Godmother Maria, dressed in a blue blanket - has to pay a high price. After an amazing shoot out that reminds the spectator of High Noon, she manages - with many others - to flee on a steamer bound for the United States - just before WW II breaks out - to start a new life. De bende van Oss is a unique movie because of the documentary structured base which turns the dramatic story into a true story, instead of the other way around, thanks to the highly intelligent script, written by director André van Duren en Paul Jan Nelissen.Richard Fokker / Hoogland / the Netherlands / 2011-11-22 / Scriptwriter / art historian.

eleanorlbaker The first thing you notice about the film is just how beautifully made it is. Everything from the costume, set, acting, and the general atmosphere of the film is excellent. Very good attention to detail.The story is interesting and although it is based on a true story, still full of the unexpected and is very original.My biggest problem with this film is the length and tempo of it. It is a long film and although I appreciate that they would want to stay true to the story but that causes the film to drag in places and feels very slow. And it is very easy to loose interest and difficult to keep your attention on the film in places.A nice film with an interesting story line.

Zoef86 In the 1930's a small town called Oss, from the province Noord-Brabant, gets involved in serious crimes. An infamous gang called De Bende van Oss (The Gang of Oss) are the perpetrators, and no one dares to mess with them not even the local police force. From beginning to end the film stays in a certain tension, and not losing its excitement. The character development is good and the locations are well-chosen. One thing I liked the most was the dark atmosphere that covers almost the entire film. This reminded me of the Great Depression that was leading back in those times. For me this film has an extra value, because I live in the town Oss. There were certain elements easily recognizable for me, such as locations and some cast members.I recommend this movie for viewers that are interested in historic films, or one with a good storyline.