N° 10

Alex van Warmerdam is known as one of thr country's best directors, an this little gem doesn't disappoint. A film with its own rhythm. Get in tune and enjoy - I was mesmerized from the start. And the ending - wow. Great camera work, and great alienating scene settings.

First, we see a play within in a play. The director changes the plot. The participants are mere unwilling puppets in his hands. People are lied to. Then, things get stranger an stranger. First in the acting troupe, which leads to dramatic moments. But who are these people, observing every move of the protagonist? Something sinister is in the air. Powerful men of faith get involved, scenes that may or may not be happening in a spaceship unroll. And then, in a different setting, another director changes the plot. Again, people are lied to. The ending - not for the more sensible souls indeed, but I loved it.

This German oddity of a film is vaguely entertaining only because most of the films of 2021 were subpar in comparison. The film seriously bogs down in the second half, and it is not the fault of the fine actors involved. It is the fault of the writers. The pacing is terrible in the second half, as is the story line development. I can suspend disbelief, but I cannot suspend logic. Much of the second half of the film defies logic. Don't bother seeing this film unless you can see it for free like I did with a pass from my brother in law, Geoff, who is the theater manager of the multiplex where I live.

For me, the first half of the movie was light, mildly intriguing soap opera fayre. Thankfully, it completely changed direction, for those seeking something a little "fresher" and challenging. I went into this with just the description given at the top of the IMDB page. I strongly suggest you do the same - the less you know the better. However, the ending will definitely split the audience depending on your sensibility. I actually made a single loud clap at the final "surprise", which I never do. But others may find my reaction "disappointing", to say the least. You have been warned !

One of the worst movies I've seen in a decade. The acting and writing of the first part is actually really good and believeable. The second part is what makes you forget the great acting from talents such as Bokma and Kesting. The second part is bad in every sense of the word. It's never creative and/or well worked out. It felt like jumping into a swimming pool covered with a thick layer of ice. Why this movie ever got funded beats me... the fact that it scores decently here on IMDB is something I just don't understand, but I can guess how that happened...

If you (also) like unusual non Hollywood films, then you should give this one a chance. The film starts in one genre and ends in a different one. Van Warmerdam films have a distinct style, just like Wes Anderson films have a distinct style. If you like this one, then there are nine more to see.