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In The Netherlands there was quite a buzz around this movie. Unfortunately, this means that it's virtually impossible to see it without any prejudice. For instance, most people know that it's Reinout Oerlemans' first movie as a director, how the story goes and how it ends. I'd rather seen the film not knowing the above.

Having said that, I think it's a pretty good movie. It has a good story behind it, but it translated pretty well to the big screen. What I really like is how Stijn's business-life looks like, how his doubts are portrayed and how the suffering of the characters is brought to life. I do think that the relationship of Stijn and Carmen is portrayed a little bit superficial, focusing primarily on physical attraction and the business connection. The emotional link between the two could have gotten more attention in the first part. But that's the only major point of critique. In the end, it's not about what attracts Stijn and Carmen emotionally, it's how they both deal with Carmen's cancer and the impact it has on their lives. And that part, I feel, is brought to life pretty well in this movie.

Like the book, this movie doesn't allow you to easily identify or sympathise with the main character. You have to admire the book as well as the film for bringing on a main character that you want to kick the sh1t out of every now and again, and still getting the sales that it does.

What the book does, and this carries over nicely to the film, is raise a couple what-if questions that many (read: most of us) would feel uncomfortable to answer. Mainly for that reason, the book got some irate reviews in the Netherlands. Since the movie is fairly true to the book's theme, it is inevitable that the same would happen again.

Barry Atsma does a stellar job in creating a character that most of us would want to kick the crap out for most of the movie. And Carice van Houten is... well, what can I say? If anyone could've done justice to the Carmen character from the book, it's her.

Do see this movie if you're ready to have your prejudices about love (we all have them) challenged. You might end up puzzled, which is a good thing, because it will force you to think.

If rethinking your values is not your Cup Of Tea, then I'd not recommend it.

European film companies willingly tackle subjects that no "self- respecting" U.S. film company would touch, probably for fear of alienating their market. Stricken is such a film. This Dutch offering could have only been produced in The Netherlands or Belgium and stars the inimitable Carice van Houten opposite the very capable Barry Atsma.

Convincing dialog, superlative acting, cinematography and directing, with a story line that will provoke thought and move you, this is not light fare, but a drama that offers real substance, raises valid questions and presents people as real people. The characters aren't perfect, aren't cookie cutter "heroes" or "villains," but possess flaws as well as virtues. The story line is multi-level and presents a facet of life in the Low Countries that has yet to be dealt with in our U.S. culture.

Food for the brain, possibly food for the soul (depending upon one's view of the issues), Stricken should be considered must viewing for anyone who looks to movies for more than light entertainment.

You may not agree with the moral decisions in the movie--by any of the characters--but the decision of Carmen (van Houten) is one that many will find understandable. It is her decision and the lifestyle choices of her and Stijn (Atsma) which, along with the events leading to her decision which create the drama, the tension and social/moral dilemmas.

I consider this to be one of the premier movies to come from Europe in the last decade. Few will consider it a peaceful film, almost no one could call it a "feel good" or happy movie, but it offers a view that some might find ultimately comforting.

For starters, i did not read the book. So i'm not going to make a comparison.

The movie has a heavy story to tell, as movies about cancer always have. But this one is different. The main character cant coop with the cancer his wife has, and fills his emptiness with the love of another woman. Not that he had such clean hands before, and his wife is aware of that. For some reason he just can't have enough of one woman. The movie will tell you how that develops trough time in the harsh time that is awaiting them.

Directing and script.

I found Reinout Oerlemans did a pretty good job on the directing, but there are a few critical points.I thought the directing got a bit in a loop, using to much of the same angles and effects which can be a bit boring for the viewer. The same thing happens with the script, you come to a point were everything is clear, and it should enter a new chapter in the story. But it seems the director needed to be sure he got the message to the viewer. And that for me is the weakest part of the movie, it spreads the whole thing a bit to long.

Acting

The acting is great, Carice does a great, great job (as always). Showing allot of different emotions and giving so much character to here role. Also Barry Atsma does a great job on acting as well, i was not familiar with him but I'm anxious to see more movies with his screenplay. All the supporting roles where fine and well picked. I did not notice my self the be annoyed with any role or what so ever.

A must see film, a directing debute for Reinault Oerlemans who did a great job, but could use a bit more finesse and diversity.

Tissues advised.

This movie is a lot more realistic that most. movies are supposed to entertain maybe, but i like to think that every director also wants to communicate, inspire, tease and challenge. This movie sure challenged me to think about life, about love, about choices. how do we react on challenges? do we run? do we hide? do we pretend or do we face.

In this fantastically acted drama we see the story of two people, maybe a little bit more attractive and successful than average lives, but the rest of the story is so realistic, serious, harsh (no fairy tale) and down to earth that you realize: This is so real that I might face this somewhere in my life, and by realizing that, this movie just added a little bit to my view of life.

That is why this movie is a 10 out of 10. it's not a no brain romcom or action story that you watch for entertainment. It's a piece of art that shows you exactly what love comes down to in the hardest struggles of our lives. Beautiful, impacting, excellent.