To Play or to Die

1990 ""

To Play or to Die

6.2 | NR | en | Drama

In this short motion picture, schoolboy Kees is intelligent, introvert and sensitive, but gets ridiculed verbally and physically at an all-boys school by mindlessly cocky class mates and even insensitive teachers, especially in gym, where his physical weakness is mercilessly abused to make him a defenceless laughing stock in front of his smirking peers. His awakening sexual interest goes to boys, and in particular to Charel, a beautiful athletic classmate who probably feels an undetermined interest but would never risk admitting (possibly not even to himself) having any gay or bi appreciation, least of all for a 'sissy', and thus remains unresponsive to shy Kees' overtures. When the hunk finally comes over to Kees' place while his parents are away, a desperate disappointment with a tragical twist is in the making…

WATCH FREEFOR 30 DAYS

All Prime Video
Cancel anytime

Watch Now

6.2 | NR | en | Drama | More Info

Released: November. 11,1998 | Released Producted By: Shooting Star Filmcompany , Country: Budget: 0 Revenue: 0 Official Website:

Synopsis

Stream Online

The movie is currently not available onine

Cast

Geert Hunaerts , Tjebbo Gerritsma , Titus Muizelaar

Director

Frank Krom

Producted By

Shooting Star Filmcompany ,

Watch Free for 30 Days

All Prime Video Movies and TV Shows. Cancel anytime.

Watch Now

Trailers & Images

Cast

Geert Hunaerts

as Kees

Team Spirit II Alias To Play or to Die Crazy Love

Tjebbo Gerritsma

as Charel

The Curse of Lughus So What Is Love Loving Cuba My Extraordinary Summer with Tess De Slet van 6VWO Fidgety Bram Amstel Iedereen is gek op Jack Don't Touch My Children

Titus Muizelaar

as Phys. Ed. Teacher

Meat Lulu To Play or to Die

Reviews

stef-decloe A very beautiful movie, very intense. The two boys were 18 at the time of filming (1990, both born in 1972). They both did a very excelling performance.The colors are beautiful, the filming is excellent. The "light" is superbSome situations are so recognizable, and so understandable.The issue of the situation is shocking, but that is what movies are made forThis 45 minutes short is like watching a "full" movie", and raises many questions. I enjoyed it very much. PS, If ever there was a question of "revenge": do a "google pictures" for both actors :-)

mad-69 On the VHS version I saw, only the Dutch words spoken during the French class were translated into the English subtitles. And if even if other versions do translate the French, it would be really hard to do it justice.The French class scene would have been really hard to follow if I were relying on the subtitles. Early on, Charel copies or borrows Kees's homework. The sentence the teacher asks Charel to read aloud (and praises because another boy has mispronounced it) translates as "It is worth it for me to do my own work." The teacher clearly has it in for Kees. She purposefully makes him translate aloud the sentence "I follow a blind ass." Kees is a dutiful good student and doesn't realize (the way the teacher must) that he will be making an ambiguous statement in French sort of like "I see Uranus" in English is also "I see your anus". "I follow" in French sounds the same as "I am". So all the other kids laugh at him because the teacher has just made Kees say, "I am a blind ass."

imdbJay I agree with other comments that Kees is not seeking revenge, as stated on the DVD jacket, but that Kees is deeply in love with Charel. The movie is a psychological study of a young boy unable to deal with his emotions and unable to express his feelings. One of the most striking moments in the movie could easily escape notice: when the boys are headed outside for exercise, Kees finds himself falling further behind and, to his dismay, calls out to Charel for no apparent reason. This deeply-felt, yet unexplainable reaction speaks volumes. He longs for, but cannot attain the object of his desire. The distance of a few feet sends distress signals throughout him, so that he is unable to control his reaction. Charel is equally unable to deal with the feelings he suspects Kees has for him; he responds not with compassion and understanding, but with rejection and defiance.The acting is compelling and the characters are appealing. I watched this short film more than once and was fascinated with the nuances of expression and the dynamics of the contrasting main characters. I found it easy to relate to the characters and a social situation that precludes the natural expression of certain emotions. Although some technical aspects of the film could be improved, the subject and its impact are masterfully presented.

harry-76 To fully appreciate this short film (40 minutes) one has to closely identify or empathize with its young hero. This lad is quiet, intense, and emotionally not the most stable of personalities. He focuses his attention on a significant other -- a student in his class with a contrasting personality. This results in a conflicting relationship, leaving the young hero distraught to the point of being suicidal.It's not a very optimistic short story told here, yet one which creates a definite mood and sustains interest throughout its brief running time. Very well acted, "To Play or Die" is a minor effort, noteworthy for its unusually short duration. There are not many short stories filmed with running times of under 45 minutes, that are independent and not part of any kind of series.

Similar Movies to To Play or to Die

Abjetas 288

2021 10

Abjetas 288 2021

Where We Lie

2022 6.3

Where We Lie 2022

Rutaceae

2021 5.5

Rutaceae 2021