Little Sister (1995)

How sad is this?

As Good As It Gets

Absolutely the worst movie.

Good films always raise compelling questions, whether the format is fiction or documentary fact.

This film is a real "turn-about". In the world of film production we have a host of amateurs trying to become professionals, but here we have professionals setting themselves the task of creating a look-alike amateur film. And they do it very well. We the audience see all the action through Martijn's view-finder and we see all the faults too - the too-quick panning, out-of-focus shots, scenes which are superfluous, moments of blank film and all the mistakes that every amateur is prone to make. Martijn's camera concentrates on his sister Daantje (Kim van Hooten) for this is the story of her life and Martijn tries to capture it all, even the most intimate and personal moments. Ramon (Roeland Fernhout) persists in attempting to seduce Daantje and demonstrates in close-up how to kiss a girl. Ramon in my opinion runs off with the acting honours in this movie. He projects his personality exceptionally well and is a likeable no-hoper of a character. As for Martijn we see very little of him because most of the time he is behind the camera. Daantje maintains her character as the unco-operative sister. All the youngsters are equally convincing in party mood. I liked especially the ironic ending where the videos end up in a junk sale and Martijn's "masterpiece" will sooner or later be completely taped over. Such is life! As good as this film is, I hasten to add that I hope it does not set a whole host of other movie-makers on the same path. Once is enough! Did I hear someone mention "The Blair Witch Project"?

Here's another proof that the least money new young directors have to create a movie, the more creativity is used to make the best out of it. This brilliant movie -one of the best dutch movies ever- has a highly original way of telling. You are not really looking at a professional movie, but at a director's cut of a bunch of videotapes... You will hardly see the main character...because this guy is the cameraman as well. Have a look at it. It is worth to look at...!

This was one of those films that happened to come on after soccer. Having no homework, watched on like I had no better alternative. But surprise, surprise! I went to sleep that night wishing I had taped the movie. Cleverly shot with solid performances from the cast. One of those films with just about everything in it. Enough to make you laugh or cry, or laugh till you cry. It grabbed my attention such that by the time I realized I still had some ice-cream left in my cup, it was already melted. Truly deserves a run at the bigger markets.

Zusje is one of the most intelligent and fascinating films I have ever seen. The way the story is told, the performances, everything about this film is brilliant. The story is gruesome, tragic, and very unpredictable. It leaves you wondering right up to the final scene about what really happened between Daan and Tijn when they were children, and leaves you with an ending nobody could possibly guess. Shocking and fascinating, a film well worth seeing.