Johan

Johan is a funny movie. Just sit down, relax and watch. The music and the images makes it worth looking. And also the story is pretty funny. But if you're not from the Netherlands, I think you're not gonna catch all the inside jokes. For example; The father of Johan, Rienus, wants to have his own soccer team. So he gets 11 boys. His name comes from Rienus Michels, a famous Dutch soccer star. And Johan is from Johan Cruiff of course. If you have a chance to see this movie and you just want to laugh and see a good looking person from Holland, just go and see it. You won't regret it, just don't expect anything, because it's still from the Netherlands. But this time from a realistic point of view, and not just drugs and hores.

What we have here is a charming little drama from the Netherlands featuring talented actor/musician Michiel Huisman as a misfit brother in a family of football fanatics. Seems that his father's dream is to sire an entire team, and poor Johan is the eleventh brother born, but shows no interest in the sport. As the years go by, he develops his singing talents, and becomes involved in a love triangle with a free-spirited young girl and his professional footballer brother.

Many sequences are beautifully composed and filmed, and it's a pleasure to view the stunning locations and scenery. Early scenes of when the family was young are both humorous and poignant. The plot may be somewhat slight, but Huisman has the charisma to keep the audience involved all the way. And there's a fun turn by Leona Phillippo as Johan's best friend and confidante, Hester. She's the confidant and smart proprietor of a hair salon, who both inspires and shelters Johan in her shop, and her hairstyles are fabulous.