Max Manus: Man of War – A Norwegian WWII Epic and How to Watch It on Netflix Worldwide

Released in 2008, Max Manus: Man of War is a Norwegian biographical war film that brings to life the extraordinary story of Max Manus, one of Norway’s most celebrated resistance fighters during World War II. Directed by Joachim Rønning and Espen Sandberg, this gripping tale of courage, sacrifice, and resilience has captivated audiences with its historical depth and cinematic flair. For film buffs and history enthusiasts alike, it’s a must-watch. The good news? It’s currently available on Netflix in Sweden. The better news? With Surfshark VPN, you can stream it from anywhere in the world. Here’s everything you need to know about the movie and how to unlock it on Netflix.

The Story of Max Manus

Max Manus: Man of War follows the real-life journey of Max Manus (played by Aksel Hennie), a Norwegian saboteur who became a legend for his daring exploits against Nazi forces. The film opens with Manus fighting as a volunteer in the Winter War against the Soviet Union in Finland (1939–1940), a prelude to his greater role in WWII. When Nazi Germany invades Norway in 1940, Manus returns home to find his country occupied. Refusing to accept defeat, he joins the Norwegian resistance, embarking on a path of sabotage, espionage, and survival.
The movie traces his evolution from a reckless young man to a skilled operative trained by British Commandos in Scotland. Alongside his friend Gregers Gram (Nicolai Cleve Broch), Manus targets German supply ships, most famously sinking the cargo ship Donau in 1945 with limpet mines. But the film isn’t just about action—it’s a deeply human story. Manus grapples with guilt over lost comrades, a budding romance with “Tikken” (Agnes Kittelsen), a resistance contact in Sweden, and the psychological toll of war. The closing scene, where he confronts Gestapo chief Siegfried Fehmer (Ken Duken) after the war, underscores a poignant realization: war leaves everyone as victims of its chaos.

A Cinematic Triumph

With a budget of over 50 million Norwegian kroner (massive by Norwegian standards), Max Manus is a technical marvel. Filming began in February 2008, employing 1,800 extras and 2,000 crew members to recreate wartime Norway and Sweden. The production’s scale shines through in its detailed sets, explosive action sequences, and authentic period costumes. The film balances historical accuracy with dramatic license—while some events are condensed or altered, it stays true to Manus’s spirit, drawing from his own books, Det vil helst gå godt and Det blir alvor, alongside other historical accounts.

Critics praised its polish and intensity. Norway’s Aftenposten gave it four out of six stars, lauding Hennie’s performance and the high production values, though noting its traditional storytelling. Dagbladet and VG awarded it five stars, calling it a gripping, technically impressive portrait of a national hero. The film’s premiere, attended by King Harald V and resistance figures like Gunnar Sønsteby, cemented its cultural impact. It became Norway’s highest-grossing film at the time, a testament to its resonance with audiences.

Controversy and Legacy

Max Manus didn’t escape debate. Some historians, like Lars Borgersrud, criticized its portrayal of Manus’s Winter War involvement, arguing he saw little action there despite his own claims. Writer Erling Fossen called the resistance effort inefficient, sparking a public discussion about its true impact. Yet, most scholars defended the film, arguing that while not flawless, it captures the essence of Norway’s wartime struggle. Today, it stands alongside other WWII resistance films like Flame & Citron and Black Book as a powerful tribute to unsung heroes.

Watching Max Manus on Netflix

As of March 20, 2025, Max Manus: Man of War is available on Netflix in Sweden, complete with Norwegian audio and subtitles in Swedish, Danish, and Finnish. But if you’re outside Sweden—say, in the US, UK, or Australia—you’ll find it missing from your Netflix library. Why? Netflix tailors its catalog by region due to licensing agreements, meaning Swedish subscribers get this Nordic gem while others don’t.

Enter Surfshark VPN, your ticket to watching Max Manus no matter where you are. A VPN (Virtual Private Network) masks your location by routing your internet connection through a server in another country—in this case, Sweden. Surfshark is a standout choice: it’s fast, reliable, and excels at unblocking Netflix libraries worldwide. With over 3,200 servers in 95 countries, including Sweden, it ensures smooth streaming without lag. Plus, it offers unlimited simultaneous connections, so your whole household can watch on different devices.

How to Watch Max Manus with Surfshark

Here’s a simple guide to streaming Max Manus on Netflix using Surfshark:

• Sign Up for Surfshark and Netflix
  You’ll need an active Netflix account (any plan works—your subscription isn’t region-specific, just the content). Then, head to Surfshark’s website, choose a plan (often discounted), and sign up. The 30-day money-back guarantee makes it risk-free.

• Install Surfshark
  Download the Surfshark app from their site or your device’s app store. It’s compatible with Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, smart TVs, and more. Install it, log in, and you’re ready to go.

• Connect to a Swedish Server
  Open Surfshark, scroll to Sweden in the server list, and click to connect. Within seconds, your IP address becomes Swedish, tricking Netflix into thinking you’re in Stockholm.

• Launch Netflix
  Open Netflix in your browser or app. If you’re already logged in, refresh or restart it. You’ll now see Sweden’s library—search Max Manus: Man of War, hit play, and dive in.

• Fixing Issues
  If Netflix blocks the VPN (rare with Surfshark), switch to another Swedish server, clear your cache, or contact Surfshark’s 24/7 support. Their speeds ensure no buffering, even in HD.

Why Surfshark?

Surfshark isn’t just for Sweden—it unblocks 30+ Netflix libraries, from the US to Japan. Its WireGuard protocol delivers blazing speeds, and its no-logs policy keeps your viewing private. Whether you’re on a laptop, phone, or FireTV, it’s seamless. And yes, using a VPN is legal in most countries, though Netflix’s terms discourage it—they rarely enforce this for personal use.

Why Max Manus Matters

This isn’t just another war movie. It’s a window into Norway’s fight for freedom, a story of a man who risked everything to reclaim his stolen country. Hennie’s raw performance, paired with the film’s visceral action, makes it unforgettable. Whether you’re Norwegian, a WWII buff, or just love a good story, Max Manus delivers.

Unlock It Today

Don’t let geo-restrictions stop you. With Surfshark, Max Manus: Man of War is a few clicks away on Netflix Sweden. Grab a subscription, connect to a Swedish server, and witness a hero’s journey that echoes beyond borders. Have you seen it? What’s your take on Manus’s tale? Let’s hear it!