80 Jaar Oorlog

80 Jaar Oorlog is a historical film about the beginning of the Eighty Years' War, in which Europe rises up against the Spanish king Philip II.
William of Orange, best known as the Father of the Nation, leads the rebels during this war and signs the declaration of independence in 1581.

For most of his life William of Orange is loyal to the Spanish king Philip II and fights at his side. But William is fiercely opposed to the Spanish Inquisition, which sends people of other faiths (other than Roman Catholics) to the stake, and he argues for freedom of belief and religion. The Spanish king is furious and sends the Duke of Alba, known as the Butcher of Flanders, to the Low Countries with orders to enforce the Inquisition even more violently.

William's younger brother Louis of Nassau and his good friend Henry, Lord of Brederode, start the Dutch revolt against the Spanish king and call the resistance fighters the Geuzen (the 'Beggars'). Friction soon arises between William and the Geuzen: William wants peace and tolerance, but the Geuzen are mainly out for revenge and want justice. Unfortunately for William, he will have to work with the Geuzen to win this war, and so must set his principles aside to get what he wants most – a free and independent Netherlands – and for that he is even prepared to risk his own life.

Type

Film / TV series

Status

In development

Genre

Historical drama / Action