Lek

I'm not a fan of Dutch movies. This one is different. The actors actually act well and I wasn't bored one single minute. Finally not a dumb or "empty" (no good story line whatsoever) film. Bravo!

The film is based on a book about corruption in the Amsterdam police department by an ex-detective. Thus showing that reality is often more crazy than what we imagine.

It all starts innocently enough when police officer Eddy is asked to get in touch with his childhood friend Jack, who is now on the other side of the law. But everything soon spins out of control.

Director Jean van de Velde has a tight grip on the story. He is helped by a good script that manages to bring a few nice twists to a well-known formula. He also has a good cast. Especially Ton Kas as sinister gangster boss and Victor Löw as gangster with strong paternal feelings.

`Leak' starts with one of the best opening scenes I have seen in last few years. At first, it seems it's just another way to spend some movie tape and to add some length. But then we realize what's goin' on. And then becomes shocking. So is the whole movie: starts like some easy pop song but ends in a hardcore rhythm.

The story is about corruption in police. Two main characters, one policeman and one criminal are different, of course, but they have one thing in common: they had been good friends one time ago. So, they meet again, and the race begins. The race to survive. Who'll be the lucky one? There is a thin line that's just waiting to be crossed…

If you like American movies too much, you may be disappointed. Well, yes, there is lot of action goin' round but there are no super heroes in this movie, no dirty harrys, no almighty gunmen, no immortal avengers who enjoy their revenge more than everything. This film is not made for fun. This is a European movie, strong and realistic.

I saw this movie in an old fortress, it was 1.30 a. m. when the movie started and after one hour I wanted to go home because everything started to look too familiar. Fortunately, I didn't leave.

Eddy ( Cas Jansen) a young policeman is happily partnered with Ria (Ricky Koole). They seek advice from Family Planning in the hope that they may produce a baby in the very near future. Advice is given with surprising frankness. Eddy's job demands so much night work that interferes with his personal life and the dangerous nature of his work adds further difficulties to their relationship.

Young Eddy of short stature is referred to by his buddies as "Tom Thumb on Viagra". This amusing remark is one of the few moments of relief in this intense drama. The opening torture scene exemplifies the types of characters Eddy is forced to face in his police work.

Eddy is a likeable character and projects a genuine feeling of love and affection towards Ria. Unfortunately, a chance meeting with Jack an acquaintance of his infant years draws him into a web of underworld characters dealing in contraband drugs. They say that crime does not pay, but it seems that Jack has all the things in life that Eddy can only dream about.

The film requires a good deal of concentration because many of the bearded thugs look similar. The drama is well-paced and Jack's empty and prolonged fits of laughter are both threatening and spine-chilling.

Eddy gets to drive a fast Lamborghini Diablo fulfilling one of his boyhood dreams and a baby is delivered in a strange and unexpected way. Great stuff.

Having seen a lot of Dutch movies, Lek was a total surprise. Though I'm not a police movie affectionado I found this film very exciting. Acting was fabulous and the use of locations very refreshing. Thumbs up for the actors and everybody else involved in this production. Dutch movie goes international!!