blatt-vatn
I ran across this movie while going through Amazon Prime movies. I have never been a real fan of Dutch movies, but this is absolutely the most incredible movie I have ever seen -- my new no. 1 favorite. It had me sobbing at the end. So sensitively done. Shows how friendship -- enduring friendship -- can continue whether separated by place or even death. I'll never forget this one.
gbnisbet
I stumbled upon this film as I was searching under the war genre, and although it is the main theme, this is a very moving story centered around the strong relationship of two little boys and how their friendship is put to the test as the war begins to affect both them and their families.I can't stress enough how much I enjoyed the performances of those two kids. So well acted for boys so young. I hope they both go on to further their careers in the movie industry.
Dolly
This review contains info which some may consider spoilers. This movie could have been great, but the Tuur character was often annoyingly stupid & hot-headed, almost as if he has emotional problems. The complications from the seem unnecessarily, except that's the only way the plot moves forward. The coming of age portion of the story is almost completely overshadowed by this. At times I found it difficult to care about the character. The character of Lambet on the other hand shows more depth and development. It's much easier to watch as he learns to navigate Holland during the early part of Nazi occupation. He doesn't go through the stupid stage to suddenly being more mature and it is much easier to become invested in his story I'm glad I didn't pay to see it, but glad I watched it on Netflix.
Abigail Smith
This coming-of-age story is acted and executed brilliantly. With WWII is looming over their heads, the three central characters in this story continue to live a fairly normal childhood--mastering the art of friendship, experiencing first love, and catching glimpses of enchantment and make-believe only available to the very young. One small act of jealousy, however, changes everything, and they are forced to grow up far too soon.The plot is so believable it breaks your heart; the loyalty that endures throughout makes this movie a timeless classic. As for the subtitles (for us English speakers), I hardly noticed them, and my three-year-old daughter understood what was happening without any decipherable words at all.
AD
