Achtste-groepers huilen niet

Many children's films, when dealing with a difficult subject, tend to become a little preachy, or try to put some sort of message of hope or purpose into it. Not this film. I watched it with my daughter this afternoon, and was pleasantly surprised by its sincere approach. Akkie is a popular girl in class. She's a rough 12 year old who likes playing football and gets into fights. When she is diagnosed with leukaemia, she is admitted to the hospital. Determined to get better before the school football tournament, she puts on a brave face and tries her best to get better. We follow Akkie as she's in and out of treatment, and we watch how this affects her relationship with her friends and her parents.

Achtste Groepers Huilen Niet (Eighth Graders Don't Cry) doesn't hide the truth when it comes to dealing with such an awful disease as leukaemia. Akkie, her parents and her friends all have to deal with the uncertainty of whether or not she will pull through. Though initially brave-faced, the seriously weakening and drawn-out nature of the disease cause her to feel anger, sadness, despair and resign, all quite believably played by Hanna Obbeek.

This is not a happy children's film, because it is not a happy subject. It doesn't use movie magic to give you a warm fuzzy feeling. It's a story about a girl who gets leukaemia. Of course it's gonna get ugly. What'd you expect?

"Achtste Groepers Huilen Niet" (Eighth Graders Don't Cry) is a poignant Dutch film that tells the heart-wrenching yet inspiring story of Akkie, a spirited and fearless young girl who loves soccer and enjoys a happy school life with her friends. However, her world is turned upside down when she is diagnosed with leukemia.

The film masterfully balances the emotional weight of Akkie's illness with moments of joy and camaraderie, showcasing the resilience and strength of young children in the face of adversity. The performances, especially by the young actress playing Akkie, are heartfelt and authentic, drawing viewers into her journey with empathy and hope.

Despite its serious theme, "Achtste Groepers Huilen Niet" maintains a positive and uplifting tone, emphasizing the importance of friendship, courage, and living life to the fullest. The movie resonates deeply with its audience, leaving a lasting impression through its moving narrative and relatable characters. Overall, it's a touching and beautifully crafted film that speaks to the resilience of the human spirit.

When someone asks for advice on what to see, I often recommend him. For me it's all 10/10!!! I'll say right away I don't like to watch films, but I watch this one 20 times and with the same emotions as when I first watched it. When I first watched this film, initially I did not expect any super emotions and something serious from it. I did not understand what an ordinary teenager could face ... what he could go through, what his family, friends and classmates could go through. Over this film, I cried for a long time and a lot, maybe it's because the film touched something inside me, I honestly don't know. It touches on all the topics and this film is suitable for any generation.

If only all movies for kids and families could be as good as this. This film deals with a young teenage (or close to it) girl who develops leukemia. To its credit, this movie does not try to sugar coat anything nor does it sensationalise. It does not go for cheap emotion but is still profoundly moving. There is none of the saccharine schmaltz that you may expect from a Hollywood movie. No, the emotion in this is real and unforced and balanced by joy and positivity. I can't praise this movie enough. The young actors do a fantastic job and the adults are all very relatable too. Thank goodness the kids in this movie are played by kids who actually are the age of the characters and not young-looking twenty year olds! The story is completely believable and well told. The only cautionary thing I would say though is that this is one movie where parental guidance really is warranted, but not because of any objectionable content but rather to help younger children understand and deal with the issues presented. Do make sure you have a box of tissues handy though!

"Achtste Groepers Huilen Niet", "Eight graders Do not Cry" and titled in Mexico as "Los chicos cool no lloran" is a good dramatic and poignant film that shows part of the life story of Akkie, a 12 y.o. girl that likes to play football at school where also is a popular girl with a good heart and given to his studies.

Her life takes a turn when she is diagnosed with Leukemia and begins the ordeal that turns out to be the cancer treatment in pediatric oncology ward of the hospital where she is treated.

She and her colleagues and friends miss each other but her health continues to deteriorate, so her colleagues organized a friendly football encounter in the hospital grounds where Akkie is the main spectator from the window of her room.

The outcome is predictable from the middle of the movie but incredibly good performance of Hanna Obbeek playing Akkie, along with the rest of the cast have excellent acting combination and makes the movie is really touching, able to touch the heartstrings of moviegoers.

This is a good movie. 8/10