This is a fine example of an excellent Dutch/Belgian co-production which can easily compete with any international successful drama-film. Jeroen Krabbé did a superb job with his directional debut. He himself, as an actor, doesn't have much screen time and gave Isabella Rossellini and especially Laura Fraser the opportunity to really shine in this movie.
Laura Fraser plays Chaya, a progressive philosophy student of Jewish origin who lives on her own. She regularly visits her parents but doesn't have a lot in common with them anymore. She takes on a job as a nanny for a very conservative Chassidic family. From the start there are many conflicts, especially with the rigorous father (Jeroen Krabbé), but soon the youngest son, the silent Chimsa, wins her love. All this takes place in Antwerp during the 70's, and in the meantime, a subplot involving Chaya's father's search for two suitcases (lost during the war) develops.
It simply is a beautiful story, about a lot of things in fact. The clash between tradition and progression. The questioning of Jewish values. Trying to come to terms with the past (the war, the lost luggage,...). Family tragedies. Those different aspects of the plot blend with each other perfectly. The movie takes its time to tell the story, but it's never too slow.
Laura Fraser gives a wonderful performance. She's so enjoyable when she shows she's got spirit, dares to question harsh authority and tries to do what's right for everyone. Did I mention she's beautiful too? And, as opposed to some other viewers, I think the nude swimming-scene was very appropriate as it illustrates the protagonist's progressive state of mind. It's not gratuitous, it's not provoking. It's natural.
Jeroen Krabbé's directing is pretty magnificent. Though it's 'just' a drama-movie, there are a few amazing shots to admire: One tracking shot which starts at a window on the top floor of the building, going down several floors and showing our protagonist leaving the building at ground zero. A nice scene at the docks. Beautiful sepia-colored shots in the prologue. An impressive crane-shot at the end.
But there are a few minor aspects too. I thought the pathos was a bit too heavy in the slow-motion shot of little Simcha running with the ducks. And the fact that nobody acted against the harassing concierge bugged me a bit too. And Chaya climbing out of the building in order to leave the building was perhaps a bit far-fetched too.
But it is one fine movie with a touching story and honest acting performances (though, I think comparing it to Spielberg's SCHINDLER'S LIST is totally misplaced and giving it a little too much credit). But it did encourage me to see more movies starring Laura Fraser and wanting to see Krabbé's THE DISCOVERY OF HEAVEN (which was based on a Harry Mulisch novel).
Laura Fraser plays Chaya, a progressive philosophy student of Jewish origin who lives on her own. She regularly visits her parents but doesn't have a lot in common with them anymore. She takes on a job as a nanny for a very conservative Chassidic family. From the start there are many conflicts, especially with the rigorous father (Jeroen Krabbé), but soon the youngest son, the silent Chimsa, wins her love. All this takes place in Antwerp during the 70's, and in the meantime, a subplot involving Chaya's father's search for two suitcases (lost during the war) develops.
It simply is a beautiful story, about a lot of things in fact. The clash between tradition and progression. The questioning of Jewish values. Trying to come to terms with the past (the war, the lost luggage,...). Family tragedies. Those different aspects of the plot blend with each other perfectly. The movie takes its time to tell the story, but it's never too slow.
Laura Fraser gives a wonderful performance. She's so enjoyable when she shows she's got spirit, dares to question harsh authority and tries to do what's right for everyone. Did I mention she's beautiful too? And, as opposed to some other viewers, I think the nude swimming-scene was very appropriate as it illustrates the protagonist's progressive state of mind. It's not gratuitous, it's not provoking. It's natural.
Jeroen Krabbé's directing is pretty magnificent. Though it's 'just' a drama-movie, there are a few amazing shots to admire: One tracking shot which starts at a window on the top floor of the building, going down several floors and showing our protagonist leaving the building at ground zero. A nice scene at the docks. Beautiful sepia-colored shots in the prologue. An impressive crane-shot at the end.
But there are a few minor aspects too. I thought the pathos was a bit too heavy in the slow-motion shot of little Simcha running with the ducks. And the fact that nobody acted against the harassing concierge bugged me a bit too. And Chaya climbing out of the building in order to leave the building was perhaps a bit far-fetched too.
But it is one fine movie with a touching story and honest acting performances (though, I think comparing it to Spielberg's SCHINDLER'S LIST is totally misplaced and giving it a little too much credit). But it did encourage me to see more movies starring Laura Fraser and wanting to see Krabbé's THE DISCOVERY OF HEAVEN (which was based on a Harry Mulisch novel).