Swingers

Well, there I was, standing in hand with 6 videos, where you can get 7 for just 7 euro's, so I needed one more... A good reason to give 'Swingers' a try. Normally, I'm not too fond of Dutch movies, with the usual exceptions (De Grot, Zusje). But Swingers wasn't too bad. As someone said earlier, the acting is what it's all about in a movie like this, based upon just a couple of characters. Recently I saw comparable movies (that is, with just a couple of characters doing a lot of talking) where the acting was better (Misery), but then again another where it was a lot worse (the incredibly dull Hurlyburly). Here it's... okay really. I don't understand the criticism De Kok gets, I liked him the best. The story is pretty interesting as well, and the music didn't bother me as much as it did to others apparently. I'd give it a 6 out of 10. Oh and BTW: It's great to see Brenninkmeyer defending his film on the IMDB (although he probably shouldn't quote 'De Telegraaf'), isn't this a great site :)

The insecure Diana (Ellen van der Koogh) and her husband Julian (Danny de Kok) schedule to spend the weekend with an unknown couple experienced in swing in the house of Diana's parents that are traveling. They welcome the gorgeous Alexandra (Nienke Brinkhuis) and her husband Timo (Joep Sertons); however the sexy and attractive Alex inhibits the repressed Diana even more and excites Julian. Along the night, Timo discloses his real feelings about Alex and on the next morning, the relationship of the couple is tested.

The low-budget "Swingers" is a surprisingly good movie. I was expecting to see an erotic and shallow drama but the story indeed has substance and brings a good discussion about the theme with believable characters. The stylish movie presents a non-aggressive eroticism and witty dialogs. This is the first film that I watch with Nienke Brinkhuis and her beauty and sensuality are impressive. My vote is seven.

Title (Brazil): "Swingers"

Exerpts from the German site: "Das Manifest..."

What appears to to look like a cheap soft-sex-film, turns into a real discovery under the cunning hands of newcomer Stephan Brenninkmeijer. Not only does he avoid all the clichés that usually comes with a theme like this, he also succeeds in giving you the feeling that most other films about this topic lack... erotic tingles.

Instead of plunging into a lot of fumbling in the dark, Brenninkmeijer builds an atmosphere, he gives us a chance to care for the characters and he doesn't shy away from cutting these tensions short, just to build them up again. As happens so frequently in real life.

"Swingers" didn't do to well in the Dutch cinema's but turned out to be a front runner in the video and DVD stores.

Hopefully sales in Germany also boosts for this little gem, so Epix can treat us more often with such a pearl.

(for the complete review check out http://www.dasmanifest.net/03/1020.php )

Despite the title and context, there's not really a lot of sex in this (and certainly no hardcore).

It is, however, quite an interesting drama capturing the interplay of the four characters in all the various combinations, with periodic naked episodes.

As such, it examines the state of contemporary marriage from a variety of perspectives and could thus be a "conversation starter" if seen as a couple or in a group.

Personally, I found three of the actors to be pretty convincing with the fourth being a bit static - so for a single-location, small cast film (presumably thus low-budget) it's not bad.

Worth a look.

Great mix of drama and erotica. First part of the film is provocative and sultry. It appeals to everyone's fantasy and is played out very realistic. After a while however more serious questions are asked and it is here where the lack of moral guidance was well appreciated. The makers give you room for your own conclusions, which is a far more intelligent than just telling us how to feel. Unjustly compared with the Dutch, cheap sex laden films from the 70's. People who think Swinging is something from the past don't know what's going on. Even puritan Oprah did a show on this group of people. "They may be your neighbors. They could live in your street!"

Good entertainment.