Zomer (2014) Reviews

• when nothing but everything changes

  juanita82-12014-10-17

  The film is built around middle adolescence changes Anne experiments during a particular summer. Anne holds the threat of the plot, offering us her reflections through the different twist. Although the film develops several other characters, it is Anne who has the spotlight, but this is in no way an issue because her natural beauty and personality make her extremely likable. A love story emerges and the power of the feelings Anne develops touch you deeply, making the film heart-warming, despite all the drama that ensues. The film does a fine job contextualizing a god-forsaken village in the Netherlands, characteristic of many peripheral places around the world. It is plagued with violence borne out of boredom, small- mindedness and hopelessness. It also highlights some stereotypical 'Dutch' attitudes of older generations in the midst of this difficult context, such as hypocrisy, sexism and obliviousness. At the same time, though, it reminds us that the youth have a choice to free themselves, and that change is only one bus stop away. All in all, a highly enjoyable, well-paced film, very well casted, with a light-heartening soundtrack, beautiful scenery and, most importantly, a main character that will win your heart.

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