Spelen of sterven

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."

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.

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.

It is a great film. Honest, direct, powerful, cold . A film about things easy remain unspoken. Because are too bitter, cruel, sharp, too often present in near reality.

It is the film of admirable young Geert Hunaerts. His work is just impressive, served, off course, by inspired cinematography and wise used details.

In same measure,Tjebbo Gerritsa offers a beautiful portrait of a sort of vulnerability, powerful fears, covered in rude brutality , the suspicion being more about his Charel than Kees.

The final is perfect , and you can feel this.

The theme of film is profound personal. Sure, bullying, sensitivity, gay desire, indifference of teachers or indifferent parents, a teenager living in his universe are fair definitions but none works too well.

Indeed, it is a film about specific of an age but, in same measure, it is more that. A pledge , a warning, a manifesto ? Maybe ! But it is a magnificent exploration of old and hidden things living, decade by decade, maybe entire life, in us.

This film is fascinating. I kept expecting the little hero to stand for himself and I wanted the little hero to teach the bully a lesson. But it is way deeper than that. Kees tries. The world is full of bullies and he is just a little guy who is trying to understand and does not know what to say or do in these situations. Kees can't defend himself. I wish his parents would teach him how to defend himself. Film is very deep and makes you think abut emotions and feelings and touches you inside. This film took me back into my own childhood for a moment to relive the memories. Emotions and feelings are so complicated and it takes us years to understand ourselves. This film is a beautiful cinematic poem and its so heartbreaking.