De nieuwe wereld

This is a beautiful film and its sad but yet uplifting story of asylum seeking engaged me compellingly from its very first frame, deeply reaching in a series of thoughtfully cut scenes, constantly keeping our attention and involvement inquisitively. Nothing in this film's portrayal is superfluous. The acting is strong and the film is superbly cast and extraordinarily well edited. In 85 minutes a deeply meaningful and humane story unfolds. A revealing insight to the seeking of and longing for compassion and a new life by two human souls, who meet in a suspended no-man's land, in which they come together through the experience of different but also sharing human circumstances.

This movie approaches a very political theme in a poetic and subtle way. It doesn't scream out loud what stance the director takes in the debate about asylum seekers. As with all movies that I've seen from director Jaap van Heusden, some images stay in my mind a long time after watching. Even though the political theme is heavy, there is space for some humor. I like it that the relation and attraction between the two persons never becomes too definite, never is consumed so to speak, but nevertheless their bond is made very clear. there are some unforgettable scenes that stay in my mind. Somehow, this again is a movie that makes you think about philosophical questions to crack your brain about. Definitely recommended. I'm looking forward to watch the movie again soon.