I watched the movie not so long ago, when it premiered on television. It is the most watched 'telefilm' so far, with an average of 650,000 viewers, and as the climax came near even 850,000. This might not seem much, but considering the Netherlands has a population of 16 million and telefilms usually draw less than 300,000 viewers, it is quite a lot. And well-deserved.
Mention to anyone in Holland TBS and you'll immediately notice that it is a sensitive subject. TBS (which means 'to be held in the interest of the state') is a punishment of being held in a psychiatric hospital for crimes which are committed under psychological abnormal circumstances. It is usually combined with a sentence to prison followed by intense psychological treatment that could last from 5 years till the death of the prisoner (the longest 'sitting' convict is being held in TBS for 45 years, with no prospects of release in the future). Basically, TBS could be a punishment equally severe as life sentence as long as the convict doesn't make any progress under his treatment. In 80 percent of the cases, the treatment is effective and the convict can successfully return to society. But despite the high chance of success, TBS is criticized heavily because some TBS'ers have managed to escape from their clinics in the last few years.
And now we come to the movie. It is loosely based on true events. When the main character Johan van der S. hears he'll be transferred to the long-stay clinic, from which no one so far has been released, it is the last straw for him, as he believes he is actually innocent. He escapes his clinic to search for his mother, whom he believed is the only person who could prove his innocence. In an act of desperation, he takes a thirteen year old girl hostage and she serves as his human shield. Together they search for his mother.
Theo Maassen is the best feat of this movie. Him being a stand-up comedian, I had my doubts, but with his impressive physique (he is over 6 ft tall), his thug-face, the wicked glint in his eyes and his charm I completely overlooked the fact that he makes jokes about the enormous variety of chips in the supermarket and cheese cubes in his shows. On his expressive face you can literally see the struggle between his urges and his will to be a good man. He wants his captive, but knows that if he takes her he'll commit a terrible crime. On occasions he steals a glance at the young girl but forces himself to look away not to tempt himself into doing things he would regret later. You actually feel for the guy. He seems to be a decent man, but as the story continues and more and more of his past is revealed, no one is sure, including Johan, if he's good or bad. He can be vulnerable the one minute, charming the next and the next murderously cruel. Theo Maassen inspires both sympathy and fear for his character, an impressive achievement.
Lisa Smit is convincing as Tessa, the hostage of Johan. She portrays an insecure, naive young girl, with Lolita treats. She is afraid of Johan, but as the story unfolds he wins her trust and affection. She finds his attention interesting and provokes him at some times by showing off her legs and brushing with her hand over his, making it difficult for Johan. Lisa Smit, a teenager herself, holds herself standing against the brilliant Maassen, which is admirable on itself.
Also compliments for the amazing shots of Bert Pot, especially in the scene in which Johan gives Tessa the earrings. With the sun coming through the clouds for a small minute, the moment symbolizes a light bulb in Johan's life and a bit of colour in his gray existence. I loved that scene, it was breathtaking.
The music really supported to plot. It was haunting at some points, tense.. It gave me a claustrophobic feeling in my gut. But sometimes, when Johan shows his vulnerability, it was almost painful to hear. Perhaps heart-wrecking is the right word. It's parallel to the duplicity of the film... A thriller and a drama.
And last but not least, much credit for the director. He delivered a nerve-wrecking, emotional picture that is difficult but worth to watch. He treads the line between good and evil and makes the viewer wonder: Who is Johan? Is he a good guy, or the monster other perceive him to be? Everyone in Holland should see this film, as it's about an often discussed topic, and everyone outside of Holland should see it too, if only it was to see the impressive performance of Theo Maassen.
The only point of critique I have is the implausibility at some points in this movie. If it's so easy to break out of a TBS clinic and if the escaped criminal has so little difficulty in shaking off the dutch and Belgian police, we are right to wonder if TBS really works for society. But don't let that distract you. The performances of the actors will definitely pull you through that plot hole.
Mention to anyone in Holland TBS and you'll immediately notice that it is a sensitive subject. TBS (which means 'to be held in the interest of the state') is a punishment of being held in a psychiatric hospital for crimes which are committed under psychological abnormal circumstances. It is usually combined with a sentence to prison followed by intense psychological treatment that could last from 5 years till the death of the prisoner (the longest 'sitting' convict is being held in TBS for 45 years, with no prospects of release in the future). Basically, TBS could be a punishment equally severe as life sentence as long as the convict doesn't make any progress under his treatment. In 80 percent of the cases, the treatment is effective and the convict can successfully return to society. But despite the high chance of success, TBS is criticized heavily because some TBS'ers have managed to escape from their clinics in the last few years.
And now we come to the movie. It is loosely based on true events. When the main character Johan van der S. hears he'll be transferred to the long-stay clinic, from which no one so far has been released, it is the last straw for him, as he believes he is actually innocent. He escapes his clinic to search for his mother, whom he believed is the only person who could prove his innocence. In an act of desperation, he takes a thirteen year old girl hostage and she serves as his human shield. Together they search for his mother.
Theo Maassen is the best feat of this movie. Him being a stand-up comedian, I had my doubts, but with his impressive physique (he is over 6 ft tall), his thug-face, the wicked glint in his eyes and his charm I completely overlooked the fact that he makes jokes about the enormous variety of chips in the supermarket and cheese cubes in his shows. On his expressive face you can literally see the struggle between his urges and his will to be a good man. He wants his captive, but knows that if he takes her he'll commit a terrible crime. On occasions he steals a glance at the young girl but forces himself to look away not to tempt himself into doing things he would regret later. You actually feel for the guy. He seems to be a decent man, but as the story continues and more and more of his past is revealed, no one is sure, including Johan, if he's good or bad. He can be vulnerable the one minute, charming the next and the next murderously cruel. Theo Maassen inspires both sympathy and fear for his character, an impressive achievement.
Lisa Smit is convincing as Tessa, the hostage of Johan. She portrays an insecure, naive young girl, with Lolita treats. She is afraid of Johan, but as the story unfolds he wins her trust and affection. She finds his attention interesting and provokes him at some times by showing off her legs and brushing with her hand over his, making it difficult for Johan. Lisa Smit, a teenager herself, holds herself standing against the brilliant Maassen, which is admirable on itself.
Also compliments for the amazing shots of Bert Pot, especially in the scene in which Johan gives Tessa the earrings. With the sun coming through the clouds for a small minute, the moment symbolizes a light bulb in Johan's life and a bit of colour in his gray existence. I loved that scene, it was breathtaking.
The music really supported to plot. It was haunting at some points, tense.. It gave me a claustrophobic feeling in my gut. But sometimes, when Johan shows his vulnerability, it was almost painful to hear. Perhaps heart-wrecking is the right word. It's parallel to the duplicity of the film... A thriller and a drama.
And last but not least, much credit for the director. He delivered a nerve-wrecking, emotional picture that is difficult but worth to watch. He treads the line between good and evil and makes the viewer wonder: Who is Johan? Is he a good guy, or the monster other perceive him to be? Everyone in Holland should see this film, as it's about an often discussed topic, and everyone outside of Holland should see it too, if only it was to see the impressive performance of Theo Maassen.
The only point of critique I have is the implausibility at some points in this movie. If it's so easy to break out of a TBS clinic and if the escaped criminal has so little difficulty in shaking off the dutch and Belgian police, we are right to wonder if TBS really works for society. But don't let that distract you. The performances of the actors will definitely pull you through that plot hole.