AniInterview
Sorry, this movie sucks
Kimball
Exactly the movie you think it is, but not the movie you want it to be.
incitatus-org
Through an awkward accident, Camiel (Marcel Hensema) meets Simon (Cees Geel). Camiel is an intelligent, shy, insecure, gay student studying to become a dentist. Simon is close to his opposite: a true Amsterdam mythical hero - down-to-earth, liberal, dry humoured seducer ("Couldn't you just instantly turn into a naked chick?") who owns two cafés and lives in the Dutch paradox - he's in the semi-legal business of running a hash home delivery service. Both are true products of Dutch society, as it is dreamed to be, with their multilingual, easy, matter-of-fact approach to life. But the film is mostly about Simon. Well, about Camiel looking Simon, fascinated.So what is it about Simon that so fascinates Camiel? To a certain extent, Camiel is an outsider, he is just someone who walks the streets. He is not extraordinary in any sense. Neither his love life, nor his profession can help him up, nor does he play an instrument or have any hidden talent. When he meets Simon, it seems as if Simon has his whole life organised around himself, to be able to live his life fully. He is surrounded by his oddball friends and has a loving family (in Thailand!). And that with a forgiving smile which allows him to boyishly do as he pleases.The second half of the movie is darker than the first, when the weight on the looming tragedy starts to be felt (Simon's approaching death). The second half of the film is more emotional, building on the characters and relationships of the first half. Notice the remarkable difference in the treatment of the subject with Les Invasions Barbares, of death, friendship, love, sex and society. Perhaps the last is the most remarkable, because somewhere Simon is the society. There is no clash with an outer world which is different to him - because the difference between the individuals is what makes up the society in which he lives. Similarly there is no generational gap either, Simon's children will make something out of their lives as he did with his, nothing fundamental has changed. It is Western society at its (brief?) peak. If there is any weakness in the film, then it would have to be Simon's interest in Camiel, the reasons of which could have been more explicit (perhaps his stability, or his intelligence?). None the less, the audience takes on the role of Camiel, and is taken along into Simon's world. A world which is a rare glimpse into the liberal post-modern society which is (was?) The Netherlands. Camiel will not be the only one leaving impressed.
chielie
I can do no more but agree wholeheartedly with Jayday from Voorburg. Must paraphrase his comment because it may be hard to find (took me a while to refind it): "I cry at what my country has become, but I can also smile at the warm intentions of what it once aspired to be.". And I add. 'We hold these truths to be self-evident'. God bless the United States of America. But, first, he will damn well take the time to bless Holland. And it is not because I am from there. But because, given the choice, I would WANT to be from there, rather than from the only country in the world that really defends freedom - because, even now, Holland IS freedom. These are the Netherlands I WILL fight and die for. I hold these truths to be self-evident. Thank you, Simon. And thank you, Eddy Terstall.
dewind
If added to the top 250 at this moment the film would be side by side with films like North by Northwest and The silence of the Lambs. Well, Mr. Terstall, you made a good film, but those films are a different class. It seems those stubborn Dutch tried to promote their 'homeproduct'. Simon is a good film though. The humor is typical for Amsterdam. A kind of humor that is influenced much by the big Jewish community Amsterdam used to have. The film touches many aspects of Ducth society. But it is in no way a reflection of that society. Most Dutch are 'regularly' married, don't work in drugs business and don't have children with a foreign wife. Holland is a fairly conservative country. I would consider the film a good impression of the way a small elite in Amsterdam lives.
dreighruhtra
This is not only the best dutch movie that I have ever seen, but one of the most moving movies that I have ever seen. Great picture of dutch society, on extraordinarily interesting people, full of great humor and sadness, and most importantly on life and death (parallel to the last two). This film is FULL in every way that a film should and can be. It is the heart-filling and heart-wrenching story of one of the most extraordinarily human lives (beautifully acted) ever put on film. It is about Simon, his fast life, his loved ones, and his chosen death. It is also about the truly free society, where all can choose their life and their death for themselves. It is a portrait of a culture of personal responsibility, love, and life that is so needed everywhere. It will make you think, laugh and cry. When and if you can, see this picture, you won't be disappointed. It's one of the greats.As the Tagline says: Simon will change your life.
