Bambo & Dex

This is a must for every dutch child. It's a dutch memory you don't want to miss... like a chocolate letter at SantaClaus. I love this movie, it's based on real literature, Olivier B. Bommel by by famous Martepn Toonder, that even kids like. It's a must to see.

Excellent animation film. Plain and simple. Perhaps somewhat dated now, but I watched it many times when I was a kid. My little brothers used to watch it, rewind it, and watch it again. Time after time. We know most phrases by heart. :) I don't know about the English/American version, but the Dutch voices are superb. Haven't seen anything of this quality since, in this category.

Rating from the Dutch judge: 8 (out of 10).

A funny, moving and unique animated film, based on the graphic novels by Dutch author Marten Toonder. The story takes place in Rommelgem, the homestead of 'Man Of Class' Olivier Bommel. On one of his frequent strolls through the gardens of his castle he finds a mysterious egg. He decides to let it hatch, and out of the egg comes a 'zwelbast', a cute little dragon that instantly steals his heart. He decides to keep it, much against the advice of his friend Tom Poes and his butler Joost, who think there is something fishy about the dragon. Unfortunately, they seem to be right, because the dragon grows at an astonishing pace. They manage to keep him a secret for some time, until Zwelgje (as he is lovingly called by Sir Bommel) causes a major incident at an upper-class garden party. Heer Bommel decides to get rid of him, but then he is kidnapped by Zwelgje who takes him on a wild ride through the Black mountains, his place of origin.

This animated film has everything a film should have. A great story, wonderful animation, subtle humor and great voice-acting by a cast of well-known dutch actors. The film also manages to keep the mood of the much-praised Olivier Bommel graphic novel series, that has a major cult-following in Holland. The novels appeal so much to the people because of the subtle humor, wonderful use of (often outdated) language and great stories. This film is a must for every fan of the novels, and a treat for any other animation fan. The title translates something as "If You Know What I Mean". It is one of the many catch-phrases Sir Bommel uses throughout the film.

The previous commenter forgot to mention this movie is from 1983 and the comic itself is from 1947.

Don't try to compare this movie with today's standards. The movie is almost 40 years old. And it's completely in the style of the original comic.

It's a beautiful movie and great made. I would really recommended it. I enjoyed the movie when I was a kid and I'm sure children these days would enjoy it too.

"Als je begrijpt wat ik bedoel" is based on a very popular Dutch cartoon figure which whom whole generations grew up with. The movie knows to capture the comic book feeling on screen, which makes the nostalgic value of the movie very high.

Even though the movie has a fun feeling the undertone is dramatic and emotional, which is the most powerful thing of the movie. It is a movie that even the most tough adults will be moved by and it isn't unusual for some to shed some tears.

The character (even though they are animals) are very humane and realistic which makes the emotions work even better. The characters are brought to life by an excellent voice cast.

The quality however is not very good. The movie looks sloppy and outdated. The animations are pretty standard and simple but effective. There are some weird musical numbers that are far from good and also the music itself doesn't quite seem to fit the movie and is used at weird periods throughout the movie.

See it for the nostalgic value, however if you live outside the Netherlands or Belgium you can not fully appreciate this movie and it might not be worth your time.

7/10

http://bobafett1138.blogspot.com/