Blind

In 19th century Holland, a young adult man, Ruben, is struggling with his loss of sight. Prone to temper tantrums and despair, his mother wants to help him cope with his blindness but she is not in good health herself. The two of them live in a large mansion with very few visitors. One day, a woman named Marie, an albino, answers the mother's ad for a person to read to Ruben and comes to the home. Things do not go well the first day. Ruben becomes violent but, surprisingly, Marie is strong-willed and gives him tit for tat. From that auspicious start comes a strong friendship between Ruben and his reader. It may even turn to love. But, as Ruben can not see Marie, he is not aware of her looks or age. Word comes from a doctor that an operation may restore the young man's sight. Will love still flourish when the two lovers can see each other face to face? This is a highly unusual film with a strong, dynamic look and an intriguing setting and plot. The wintering landscape, the old mansion, and the costuming all evoke a desolate, strange atmosphere and Marie's out-of-the-ordinary looks complete the picture. Special applause should then be extended to the artistic impression of the film. Nevertheless, the movie sometimes appears too contrived (Marie ends up reading the Snow Queen to her charge) and this subtracts from the overall impact of a young, loveless boy and an older, loveless lady falling into a relationship that may better the both of them. But, if you like foreign or highly unusual flicks, you will want to seek this one out. Few discriminating film goers will be blind to the artistic assets this movie possesses.

Blind - I had read the plot of the movie in the English Weekly newspaper of Amsterdam. I liked the premise of the movie, without any judgment, or notion or any idea how the movie would be I decided to see this movie. I knew earlier that a very good plot and premise can be disastrous in someone's hand who can create and present a mess out of it. And that was the risk I was holding! It was totally a dark spot for me – on everything about the movie! I even did not know which language the movie is going to be – Dutch, German, Russian – it could be anything. Quite a risk – isn't it? And let me tell you friends the risk of mine was worth taking. I love "Love Stories" and this according to me was a love story beautifully presented. I do not understand Dutch and it is a Dutch movie. But that is okay for me! It is a story about a blind boy (may be around 20 years of age) – played by Joren Seldeslachts - who is wild and lives with his mother in a palatial county type house; and his care taker lady (may be around 30 years of age) – brilliantly enacted by Halina Reijn (remember Zwartboek?) - who is suffering from albino – i.e. body does not produce enough pigment and the a person has pale or colorless skin, eyes and hair. Joren starts falling in love with Halina without noticing about her albino disease because he is blind. Halina tries hard to evade Joren's closeness – but is not able to resist her own fears, and falls in love with Joren. Katelijne Verbeke plays the boy's mother who notices this attraction and is against their relationship. The good news comes when the boy is about to get his sight back and that is the time Halina goes away – so that Joren would always remember her as a beautiful girl. But Joren is persistent and after regaining his sight desperately searches for Halina. Do they meet? And what happens after that – I will not tell you and spoil your show.

I cried seeing the movie. It has been several years since I have cried so much in a movie. I think the last time it was when I was 16 years old – and had gone to see "Summer of '42". Now I am 40. But the purity of love shown in the movie is tenderly executed by the director Tamar van de Dop.

From the time Halina enters the screen, she captured my imagination. The anguish of Halina's soul – her spirit, her fears, her will, her character, her love and her sadness are depicted with generosity. Some scenes are simply outstanding – when Halina closes her eyes and touches her face and lips to feel how will a blind man feel her face? When she covers the mirror as soon as she enters the palatial house – and later when she uncovers it to see – what in her is beautiful that the boy is falling in love with her. The body language of her – to resist the boy coming close, but she giving up to the power of love – is worthwhile to see. From the time Halina enters the screen and goes away – I longed desperately to see her back. She has played her part so naturally that I have fallen in love with her and would not dare to meet her in real life – to break my image of "Marie" that's her name in the movie.

The backdrop is – I think Belgium or Bulgaria! The snow clad landscape is captured with nature's ecstasy. The music is fantastic. Some scenes are so greatly executed that without a word – just by images the director communicates so many things, and that is the art of cinema. Good movies bring you back to the soul – the core of our human values and purity of love.

Just one final comment, the love making scene between Halina and Joren pops up without a gradual build up within that particular shot, and that is the only jarring part of the movie.

I LOVE THE MOVIE! And would go to see it again! (8 Stars)

Truly great cinematography, at a minimum cost, with unknown actors. Can it be? Sure. Just sit comfortably, relax and let this film tune up with your breath. Tamar van den Dop delivered a hollow drama, with an approach that brings to mind Lars von Trier at his best. She is presenting images of her story with unparalleled power, filmed in a minimal way that underlines every single moment, every single shot, every breath the characters take. The story itself is a very powerful one, carrying echoes from ancient Greek tragedies. A love story, the most common story in all times, takes off here and grabs us in a turn no one could imagine. Brilliant. Besides the poetic images, the use of sound and music pieces is Dop's secret weapon. Some of the best secanses I've ever seen, have been filmed with utmost care, superbly designed and executed. Really, you must see for yourself. Last but not least, the actors. Halina Reijn and Joren Seldeslachts are perfectly casted to give flesh and bones to two difficult characters, under the exceptional guidance of van den Dop.

A very original and unconventional point of view, the new era in cinematography. Don't miss it.

Or at least try not to read much about the movie. As a friend told me, he had read the storyline and wasn't as moved by the movie, as he could've been. Since I hadn't read anything about it, I wasn't preoccupied. And I can only tell you, that it really is a very good movie!

It's lyrical, it has poetic touches, it's dramatic, it's funny, it will take you on an emotional journey, if you don't get distracted by a few (minor) flaws. Beautifully shot and edited, this movie has some great actors, playing their parts very convincingly. Let this tale take you on a emotional trip and you won't regret it!