Spelen of sterven

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.

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 Play Or Die" is an intense story about loneliness.

It is about Kees, an introverted boy who is constantly being picked on at school. Knowing his parents will be away for the day he has decided to invite Charel, one of the bullies to visit him at home after school. The DVD packaging says he is searching for revenge by doing this, but it's clear to me that Kees actually likes Charel.

During the day Kees endures a particularly humiliating experience in the school gymnasium locker room. Still, Charel does show up at Kees' home later on. It goes badly from the start and soon they get into a fist fight because Charel thinks Kees isn't manly enough.

After that, Kees goes completely berserk and self-destructs. I think that the reason for this is a combination of loneliness, self-hatred and frustration. It's a powerful film. I can't bring myself to watch it again. And I can't help thinking about it either.

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.

A very beautiful movie, very intense. The two boys were 18 at the time of filming (1990, both born in 1972). They both did a very excelling performance.

The colors are beautiful, the filming is excellent. The "light" is superb…

Some situations are so recognizable, and so understandable.

The issue of the situation is shocking, but that is what movies are made for…

This 45 minutes short is like watching a "full" movie", and raises many questions.

I enjoyed it very much. PS, If ever there was a question of "revenge": do a "google pictures" for both actors… :-)