Are you in the mood for a suspenseful and thrilling movie? Look no further than the Dutch film, “Het Verlangen,” translated to “The Longing.” Directed by Joram Lrsen, this movie is a delightful combination of romance, comedy, and drama all wrapped into one!
The film follows the story of Brigitte, played by Chantal Janzen, a bookseller who struggles to make ends meet.
Her mundane life suddenly takes a turn when she discovers an unpublished manuscript by a famous author, Herman Schutte, portrayed by Peter Bolhuis. Brigitte believes that publishing the book will be her ticket to success, but there is a problem.
The author refuses to publish his work, so she must come up with a creative solution.
This is when the storyline begins to get interesting.
Brigitte and her brother come up with a plan to kidnap Schutte and force him to sign the contract. What starts as a comedic premise takes a dark turn when Schutte suffers a stroke, and Brigitte must keep him in her care.
With the help of her employees, she decides to complete the book herself while caring for Schutte.
The film features an excellent cast featuring actors, such as Gijs Naber, Hadewych Minis, and Bram van der Vlugt.
Their performances are stellar, and the film’s pacing is spot on, with great comedic timing and moments of tension.
One memorable scene is when Brigitte and Schutte begin to bond over their shared love of literature.
The film explores the relationship between them as they start to develop a deep understanding of one another. The chemistry between Janzen and Bolhuis is excellent, and their performances are authentic.
Another notable aspect of the movie is its commentary on the creative process. It highlights the challenges that authors face when trying to create something truly unique.
Through her journey, Brigitte learns that sometimes the process of creation requires taking risks and pushing boundaries.
The overall visual design of the movie is also noteworthy.
The film’s cinematography is naturalistic and captures the beauty of the Dutch countryside. The use of colors and lighting add to the unique ambiance of the film, and the set design perfectly captures the bookshop’s quaint atmosphere.
In conclusion, “The Longing” is a well-crafted tale that will keep you guessing until the end. It is a movie that blends different genres seamlessly and features great performances from its cast.
The storyline is unique, and the characters are relatable. Whether you are looking for laughs, romance, or drama, this movie has it all.
Continuing on with the plot of “The Longing,” the film takes a number of unexpected turns that make it an engaging watch. After Brigitte and her brother Ruud (played by Alex Klaasen) kidnap Schutte, they take him to their family farm to keep him captive there.
Schutte initially rebels against the siblings, but eventually, he suffers a stroke due to his high blood pressure, forcing Brigitte to take care of him. As Brigitte begins to take care of Schutte, she becomes fond of him and their relationship begins to evolve.
Schutte starts to appreciate Brigitte’s passion for literature and her understanding of his own writing style. The two start to work together to finish the manuscript, which ultimately results in the creation of a great novel.
The film explores the creative process that authors go through in writing and publishing their work, and Schutte’s reluctance to publish his latest manuscript reflects this. The film offers a commentary on the industry’s challenges, particularly with self-published or independent writers.
Brigitte’s struggle to make a living running her bookshop is also a familiar one to any artist or small business owner. As Brigitte spends more time with Schutte, she realizes that her love for literature goes deeper than just selling books.
She’s always had a desire to be a part of the creative process, not just as a bookseller. Her love of literature is the driving force behind her decision to help Schutte complete his manuscript.
Meanwhile, Ruud, who has taken on the role of Schutte’s caregiver, struggles with his own desire for success as a fashion designer. The sibling’s struggles with their careers lead to some hilarious and heartwarming moments.
The film does not shy away from the moral implications of Brigitte’s actions. She kidnaps Schutte for her own gain, desperate to earn a living after struggling with her bookshop.
The consequences of her actions form the crux of the story, making for a compelling narrative. The film juxtaposes the tension of the situation with moments of humor, making it all the more engaging.
The film’s climax is emotionally satisfying, although it defies expectations. Despite the turbulent nature of their relationship, Schutte and Brigitte’s shared love of literature strengthens their bond.
They come to understand each other’s perspectives and appreciate the value of collaboration. The creative process is shown as a messy, collaborative effort that ultimately leads to something special.
Overall, “The Longing” is an excellent film for its mixture of genres – romance, comedy, and drama are all blended together superbly. The movie’s tense moments are balanced perfectly with humor, making it a delightful watch.
The film is a commentary on the creative process, fame, and the arts business, themes that are sure to resonate with numerous viewers. The message is clear – while creativity can be difficult, it is worth it; the results are always dazzling.
“The Longing” is a film that is not to be missed by aficionados of Dutch cinema or fans of smart, engaging stories. Apart from its captivating plot, “The Longing” is also an excellent example of fantastic production design, cinematography, and music.
The movie was a collaborative effort between director Joram Lrsen, cinematographer Tom Stern, and composer Christiaan Verbeek. The film’s production design deserves special mention.
The set designs and costumes, as well as the cinematography, reflect the movie’s overall themes. The film’s bookshop, for instance, is cozy and charming, with books piled up in every corner.
It feels like a place that readers could spend hours in. The family farm where Schutte is kept is another example of impressive production design.
The sets are rustic, and the farmyard has a charming historic farmhouse vibe. The diverse landscapes of the Dutch countryside are captured magnificently in the cinematography.
The use of music and sound effects in the movie is also noteworthy. Composed by Christiaan Verbeek, the film’s score adds to the overall ambiance and emotion.
The film features a catchy theme song “Zwaartekracht” by Dutch singer Nielson, which adds to the aural appeal of the film. The sound effects effectively build tension, particularly in the film’s more suspenseful moments.
The film features an excellent cast whose performances are well directed, highlighting the film’s quirky humor and emotional depth. Chantal Janzen, who plays the film’s protagonist, brings depth to her character’s search for meaning in her work and life while Alex Klaasen’s fantastic acting, provides a high-energy comedy.
Additionally, while the movie is somekind of a comedy, its aspect of creating a novel is taken seriously. The film gives a real insight into the creative process that authors go through in the publishing of work.
The approach of two writers working together to create something unique is refreshing, and the story’s unorthodox premise is tied together masterfully in the script. The movie’s pacing is also worth mentioning.
Its various elements – comedy, romance, and drama – are expertly balanced. Joram Lrsen doesn’t lose sight of the film’s themes despite the movie’s numerous plot twists.
Instead, everything comes together neatly, with the lighthearted moments providing an emotional balance, and the darker ones adding depth to the story. In conclusion, “The Longing” is an incredibly well-produced, thought-provoking, and engaging movie.
The set design, costumes, and cinematography reflect and complement the plot and themes expertly crafted by the film’s creative team. The cast delivers excellent performances that bring humor and emotional depth to the story.
The movie’s pacing is perfect, and the various elements are balanced beautifully. More than just a comedy, “The Longing” is a fantastic exploration of the creative process and what it means to find meaning in one’s life.
Upon its release, “The Longing” was met with positive reviews, with many praising the movie’s unique blend of genres, engaging plot, and excellent production design. The film was initially released in Dutch theaters in 2017 and was later released internationally in 2018, being shown in several film festivals.
At the Netherlands Film Festival, the movie received an award for the “Most Audience-Friendly Film,” which is highly commendable. The award further highlights the fact that the movie is a significant hit among viewers.
The film also screened at the Miami International Film Festival, South Korea’s Seoul International Women’s Film Festival, and other international festivals, where it was well-received by audiences. The film played an essential role in the promotion of Dutch cinema.
The film industry in the Netherlands is relatively small, and the international release of “The Longing” helped bring attention to the country’s filmmakers and actors. The Dutch Film Fund, a government-funded body that supports Dutch cinema, undoubtedly took notice of the movie’s success, and it undoubtedly contributed to the fund’s further financing of Dutch filmmakers.
The film’s release was predominantly met with positive reviews from critics and movie-watchers alike. Many critics observed that the film offered a new perspective on the kidnapping narrative genre, while others praised the movie’s excellent blend of humor and pathos.
The movie is a great example of Dutch cinema’s potential to create highly entertaining and engaging films that can reach audiences worldwide. In terms of marketing, the film’s promotional strategies were well-thought-out, with a trailer hyping up the movie’s quirky and hilarious premise.
The trailer emphasizes the film’s darker aspects, highlighting the initial kidnapping of Schutte and the struggles that the characters face during their creative output. However, the film’s humor and romantic storyline make it stand out from other dark comedic films.
The film’s success in the box office was impressive for such a unique story. It made over $2 million in the Netherlands, which is a significant win for a local movie.
It may not have broken box offices worldwide, but its release represents a remarkable achievement for the Dutch cinema industry. In conclusion, “The Longing’s” release is a notable achievement for Dutch cinema as a whole.
The film received positive reviews from both critics and audiences, leading to its international release and screenings at various film festivals. The movie’s unique plot, excellent production design, and fantastic performances of the cast members make it a strong example of Dutch cinema.
The film further boosted the promotion of Dutch cinema by showcasing the country’s talented creatives. Overall, the release of “The Longing” proves that Dutch cinema has a lot to offer to the world and we are sure to expect more great films from Dutch filmmakers.
In addition to its excellent plot and production, “The Longing” also features an outstanding soundtrack. The movie’s music was composed by Christiaan Verbeek, a renowned Dutch composer, whose work in the film has become an important aspect of its success.
The soundtrack features a mix of original music and licensed tracks, many of which suit the film’s wide range of moods. The movie’s main theme is the song titled “Zwaartekracht” which was composed by Verbeek and sung by the Dutch singer Nielson.
The song is used in the opening credits and is reflective of the movie’s overall light and carefree tone. The song is catchy and will stick to your head long after the moment you stop listening to it.
In addition to the film’s original music, it also features licensed tracks in key scenes. “The Power of Love” by Huey Lewis & The News is used in the scene where Brigitte and Schutte work on a manuscript together.
The soundtrack also includes “Happy Together” by The Turtles, which plays in a scene where the siblings Brigitte and Ruud are excited at the prospect of success. The use of licensed tracks enhances the film’s mood, makes it more accessible to its audience, and provides a nostalgic trip back to the 1960s and 1980s’ music.
The soundtracks are perfectly placed in the movie’s various scenarios, providing an emotional connection for viewers. The soundtrack played a vital role in complementing the film’s themes and amplifying the overall experience of watching.
The music played in tense scenes complemented the captivating plot and added to the movie’s overall mood. The film was released later as an album titled “The Longing: Original Soundtrack,” showcasing all of its essential moments and tracks.
The listeners have appreciated and acclaimed their decision, giving waves to the composer’s work. In conclusion, the “The Longing” features an excellent soundtrack that expertly complements its themes, visuals, and narrative.
The Original Soundtrack album is worth listening to, even outside the context of the movie. The combination of licensed music and original tracks brings the movie’s diverse range of emotions to the forefront.
Overall, the film’s original score, together with the licensed music, contribute largely to the movie’s success and provide thought-provokingly relevant music to the viewers. In conclusion, “The Longing” is an excellent Dutch film that appeals to those who are seeking an intriguing and beautifully crafted movie experience.
The movie displays a unique blend of genres, superb performances, and excellent production design. The music and sound effects additionally work to create a lasting effect on the audience’s overall experience.
Furthermore, the release and promotion of the film help add to the Dutch cinema industry’s popularity and offer insight into its creative potential.
FAQs
Q: Who directed “The Longing”? A: Joram Lrsen directed “The Longing.”
Q: What is the film’s storyline?
A: The film is about a bookshop owner, Brigitte, who kidnaps a famous writer, Schutte, to publish his unpublished book, only for it to take a more personal turn. Q: When was the movie released?
A: “The Longing” was initially released in the Netherlands in 2017 and internationally in 2018. Q: What is the significance of the film’s production design?
A: The film’s production design reflects its themes, the plot, and the character’s personalities, creating a deep emotional connection with viewers. Q: How does the film provide a commentary on the creative process?
A: The film showcases the creative process of writing and overall struggles that come with trying to publish a book, particularly focusing on the concept of collaboration between writers. Q: Who composed the film’s music?
A: Christiaan Verbeek composed the movie’s music. Q: What is the significance of the film’s soundtrack?
A: The soundtrack is an essential aspect of the film as it complements the movie’s visuals and emotions, amplifying the viewers’ overall experience.