In Oranje

This movie was a great little surprise. It's a wonderful Dutch family movie with some good dramatic moments but it's also a movie that is entertaining to watch.

The movie is perfectly made! It perfectly mixes the dramatic moments with the sport and fun elements of the movie. The storytelling is truly excellent and reminded me of the better Scandinavian family movies. The portrayal of the normal everyday Dutch family is perfect, this is mainly thanks to the actors Thomas Acda and Wendy Van Dijk who both are very believable in their roles as parents. The story is told in a perfectly realistic way. The whole plot line in which the father returns as a ghost might sound lame but it works surprising well for the movie and its emotions. Nothing in the movie is ever over-dramatized and everything in the movie feels highly realistic. It makes most of the emotions and events in the movie really powerful because they feel very real and understandable.

The story is really great. Even though nothing in the movie happens as a real surprise, it all is perfectly told. The story is about every 11-year old boy's dream; becoming a football (or soccer for you Americans) player for the national team. The football scene's in the movie are all filmed in a beautiful way and really show the beauty, of the game that is football.

There really are some unforgettable moments in the movie. One of those unforgettable moments is a match between some old deceased football legends versus the '58 crashed Manchester United squad. There is plenty to enjoy here in this movie for the football fans but still also people who aren't fans of the game will enjoy this movie. Even though this is a sports movie the emphasis of the movie is on the drama and is about realizing dreams. Everyone should be able to recognize himself in most of the events in the movie and should be able to relate to the characters. This all is both thanks to the way the story is told and because of the actors. Yannick van de Velde is a great young talent and Thomas Acda and Wendy Van Dijk are perfectly cast. Also most of the supporting actors are strong in their roles.

This really is a wonderful family movie that is dramatic, realistic, beautiful and entertaining at the same time. Especially if you like Scandinavian movies this is a must see but also to everyone else this movie is highly recommendable.

8/10

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"In Oranje" is a Dutch drama that follows the story of a young boy named Remco, whose dream is to play for the national soccer team. The film delves into themes of ambition, loss, and resilience, presenting an emotional journey that resonates with audiences, especially those who appreciate sports dramas.

The movie shines in its portrayal of Remco's passion for soccer and the strong bond he shares with his father. The performances, particularly by the young lead, are earnest and heartfelt, adding a layer of authenticity to the narrative. The film's depiction of family dynamics and personal growth is touching and relatable.

However, "In Oranje" falters in its pacing and storyline execution. Certain plot points feel underdeveloped, and the emotional beats sometimes lack the impact they aim for. The film's structure can be uneven, leading to moments that drag and others that seem rushed.

Overall, "In Oranje" is a decent watch, offering a mix of heartfelt moments and sports excitement. While it has its flaws, it still provides a poignant look at a young boy's dream and the challenges he faces along the way.

This movie is better than one would suspect. After spotting the movie poster I thought this would be one of those happy-family-show at Christmas-movies. But, there's more than the obvious in this movie. After the big turn, the death of Remco's father, the life of the boy changes dramatically. The evolution of the kid is filmed very well.

However, Jean vd Velde didn't forget the (mid-aged)kids. So, this movie contains enough for them to be entertained, creating a nice mix of football(soccer)action combined with psychology.

After all, a very entertaining movie. Not a masterpiece, but very good. Especially considering the Dutch movie budgets, which of course are not to be compared with the Hollywood budgets.