blatt-vatn I ran across this movie while going through Amazon Prime movies. I have never been a real fan of Dutch movies, but this is absolutely the most incredible movie I have ever seen -- my new no. 1 favorite. It had me sobbing at the end. So sensitively done. Shows how friendship -- enduring friendship -- can continue whether separated by place or even death. I'll never forget this one.

CabbageCustard A movie that is both powerful and yet gentle. Superbly acted by all concerned, especially the younger cast members, this movie is simultaneously heart-warming, suspenseful, clever and a damning indictment on war. You will smile and you may shed a tear or two. I have friends who refuse to watch movies which require subtitles. It means that they miss out on simple gems like this.

dbroder-239-112243 Very sensitive and touching story of early adolescence and the awakenings in three young teens to the good and the bad in the world around them. We see two boys who are friends in everything separated by the different attitudes of their families toward the German occupation. The boys' relationship is complicated by the arrival in their village of a new face, a girl from Amsterdam who quickly becomes a pal. The film shows the grim, complex consequences of the occupation on the Dutch people. Some passively accepting what they feel they must, some actively cooperating with the new authorities and some trying to resist.We finally get a glimpse of the effects of the Nazi occupation on the Jews of Holland. Although the actual horrors of the Holocaust are not directly shown, the story and acting make clear the final result.The cinematography is beautiful. The acting and direction are first rate. I enthusiastically recommend this movie.

Abigail Smith This coming-of-age story is acted and executed brilliantly. With WWII is looming over their heads, the three central characters in this story continue to live a fairly normal childhood--mastering the art of friendship, experiencing first love, and catching glimpses of enchantment and make-believe only available to the very young. One small act of jealousy, however, changes everything, and they are forced to grow up far too soon.The plot is so believable it breaks your heart; the loyalty that endures throughout makes this movie a timeless classic. As for the subtitles (for us English speakers), I hardly noticed them, and my three-year-old daughter understood what was happening without any decipherable words at all.