Verder dan de maan (2003)

User Rating:

6.6/10   

Director:

Stijn Coninx

Writer:

Jacqueline Epskamp (writer)

Release Date:

29 October 2003 (Belgium)

Genre:

Drama | History

Plot Keywords:

Prayer | Classroom | Teacher | Beach | Loss Of Father

Awards:

3 wins & 1 nomination

Cast

Huub Stapel	...	Mees Werner sr.
Johanna ter Steege	...	Ita Werner
Neeltje de Vree	...	Caro Werner
Nyk Runia	...	Mees Werner jr.
Yannic Pieters	...	Bram Werner
Julia Van Lisenburg	...	Annette Werner
Isabel Leur	...	Lettie Werner
Anneke Blok	...	Tante Connie
Annet Malherbe	...	Tante Masha
Kees Hulst	...	Oom Tom
Michiel Beurskens	...	Adri
Marisa Van Eyle	...	Tante Veronica
Jappe Claes	...	Oom Willy
Betty Schuurman	...	Moniek
Valentijn Vermeer	...	Thijs

Also Known As:

Au-delà de la lune (Belgium: French title)
Das Meer der Stille (Germany)
Fjernt bag månen (Denmark)
Further Than the Moon (Europe: English title) (literal title)
Sea of Silence (USA)
Weiter als der Mond (Germany)

Runtime:

Hong Kong:105 min (Hong Kong International Film Festival)

Country:

Netherlands | Belgium | Denmark | Germany

Language:

Dutch

Color:

Color

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Certification:

Netherlands:MG6

Company:

Broadcasting Agency

Movie Connections:

Featured in "Goedemorgen Nederland: (2003-10-31)" (2003)

Touching and honest.

I watched this film recently at the Hong Kong Int Film Fest and found it, as stated, to be honest and touching. Honest, from the point of view that the story is dealing with religious/social feelings and 'obligations' in late 60's Belgium, and I'm sure they would apply to other areas of Europe at the same time. The fact that the family is coping with an alcoholic father/husband and the whole community knows about his habit is also very honest.

Some of the more touching parts of the film are the daughters attitude to her forthcoming holy communion and her imagination of what communion means for her 'relationship' with God. Also, the portrayal of how children behave when growing up, the telling of a secret, for example is well observed.

Not having seen any other films from Belgium, I cannot comment on whether it merited a nomination for the Academy Awards over any other film produced in 2003. But, what I can say is that the film has nothing to be ashamed of. It has treated the issues sensitively and honestly. Giving a good insight into the attitudes of the era.

This film was entertaining to watch. 7.5/10