The Saboteurs (2015)
A tense, multilingual WWII miniseries chronicling the daring Allied mission to prevent Nazi Germany from building an atomic bomb.
The Saboteurs - Series Information
- Original Title: Kampen om tungtvannet
- First Air Year: 2015
- Last Air Year: 2015
- Created by: Per-Olav Sørensen, Petter Rosenlund
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama, War, Politics
- Content Rating (US): TV-14
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 45 minutes
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 6
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Norwegian
- Spoken Languages: Danish, English, German, Norwegian
- First Air Date: January 4, 2015 (United States - TV-14), January 4, 2015 (United Kingdom - 12), January 4, 2015 (Germany - 12), January 4, 2015 (France - 12), January 4, 2015 (Australia - M), January 4, 2015 (Spain - 13)
- Networks: NRK1
- Alternative Titles: Heavy Water War (US), The Heavy Water War: Stopping Hitler's Atomic Bomb (NO), The Saboteurs (LT), Bitwa o Ciężką Wodę (PL), La Bataille de l'eau lourde (FR), Taistelu kuoleman vedestä (FI)
- Production Companies: Sebasto Film & TV, Filmkameratene, Headline Pictures
- Production Countries: Norway
The Saboteurs - Plot
When the Nazis secure a heavy water plant to realize their plan to create an atomic bomb, the Norwegian Allies struggle to sabotage the operation.
The Saboteurs - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the high-stakes mission unfold:
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The Saboteurs - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Per-Olav Sørensen
- Petter Rosenlund
Main Cast
- Eirik Evjen
- Anna Friel
- Mads Sjøgård Pettersen
- Andreas Döhler
- Robert Hunger-Bühler
- Tobias Santelmann
- Dennis Storhøi
- Christian Rubeck
- Frank Kjosås
- Marc Ben Puch
Writers
- Petter Rosenlund
Executive Producers
- Morten Fisker
- Tone Rønning
- John M. Jacobsen
- Marcus B. Brodersen
- Sveinung Golimo
The Saboteurs - FAQs
Is The Saboteurs based on a true story?
The Saboteurs is rooted in real history. It dramatizes the Allied sabotage missions against the Vemork heavy water plant in Nazi-occupied Norway during World War II — operations that genuinely helped derail Hitler's atomic bomb program. Real figures like Joachim Rønneberg and Knut Haukelid are portrayed in the series.
Who plays Werner Heisenberg in The Saboteurs?
German actor Christoph Bach portrays Werner Heisenberg, the Nobel Prize-winning physicist who led the Nazi nuclear research program. His storyline runs alongside the Norwegian saboteurs' missions, giving the series a dual perspective that explores both the scientific race and the daring resistance operations.
Is The Saboteurs worth watching?
Absolutely worth your time. The Saboteurs stands out as one of the most compelling WWII miniseries in recent memory, blending authentic historical detail with tense, cinematic storytelling. Its multilingual cast, stunning Norwegian landscapes, and morally complex characters make it a gripping watch from start to finish.
Where can you stream The Saboteurs?
The Saboteurs is available to stream on MHZ Choice and through the MHZ Choice Amazon Channel. If you prefer to own it, episodes can be purchased on Amazon Video. Free viewing is also available via Hoopla, making it accessible across a range of platforms.
What languages are spoken in The Saboteurs?
The series is notably multilingual, featuring dialogue in Norwegian, German, English, and Danish. This linguistic authenticity adds considerable realism, with characters speaking their native tongues throughout. English subtitles are available, and the language variety reflects the multinational nature of both the resistance and the Nazi war effort.
Who are the main actors in The Saboteurs?
The ensemble cast includes Anna Friel as British agent Julie Smith, Tobias Santelmann as resistance leader Joachim Rønneberg, Frank Kjosås as Knut Haukelid, and Eirik Evjen as Kasper Idland. On the German side, Andreas Döhler plays physicist Kurt Diebner and Christoph Bach portrays Werner Heisenberg.
How was The Saboteurs received by critics?
The series earned strong praise from critics, who highlighted its ambitious scope, multilingual authenticity, and cinematic production values. Reviewers particularly commended the dual-perspective narrative — following both the Norwegian saboteurs and the German scientists — as a fresh and intellectually engaging approach to WWII storytelling.
What are some shows similar to The Saboteurs?
Fans of The Saboteurs tend to enjoy Atlantic Crossing, which follows Norway's crown princess during WWII, and Manhattan, a drama about the American atomic bomb project. World on Fire and Masters of the Air also offer similarly immersive, character-driven takes on the Second World War from multiple national perspectives.
More About The Saboteurs
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