Daens (1992)

In the 1890s, Father Adolf Daens goes to Aalst, a textile town where child labor is rife, pay and working conditions are horrible, the poor have no vote, and the Catholic church backs the ... See full summary »

Director:

Stijn Coninx

Writers:

Louis Paul Boon (novel), François Chevallier,

Stars:

Jan Decleir, Gérard Desarthe, Antje de Boeck

Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 7 wins & 1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Jan Decleir	...	Adolf Daens
Gérard Desarthe	...	Charles Woeste
Antje de Boeck	...	Nette Scholliers
Michael Pas	...	Jan De Meeter
Karel Baetens	...	Jefke
Julien Schoenaerts	...	Bishop Stillemans
Wim Meuwissen	...	Pieter Daens
Brit Alen	...	Louise Daens
Johan Leysen	...	Schmitt
Idwig Stephane	...	Eugene Borremans
Linda van Dyck	...	Elizabeth Borremans (as Linda van Dijck)
Jappe Claes	...	Ponnet
Brenda Bertin	...	Marie
Alex Wilequet	...	Monsignor Goossens
Rik Hancké	...	Nuncio

Storyline

In the 1890s, Father Adolf Daens goes to Aalst, a textile town where child labor is rife, pay and working conditions are horrible, the poor have no vote, and the Catholic church backs the petite bourgeoisie in oppressing workers. He writes a few columns for the Catholic paper, and soon workers are listening and the powerful are in an uproar. He's expelled from the Catholic party, so he starts the Christian Democrats and is elected to Parliament. After Rome disciplines him, he must choose between two callings, as priest and as champion of workers. In subplots, a courageous young woman falls in love with a socialist and survives a shop foreman's rape; children die; prelates play billiards.

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Plot Keywords:

catholic | child labor | billiards | love | working conditions | 

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Genres:

Biography | Drama | History

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Details

Country:

Belgium France Netherlands

Language:

Dutch French Latin Spanish

Release Date:

25 February 1993 (Netherlands)

Also Known As:

Priest Daens

Filming Locations:

Aalst, Belgium

Company Credits

Production Co:

Dérives Productions, Favourite Films, Shooting Star Filmcompany BV

Technical Specs

Runtime:

138 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby SR

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.66 : 1

Did You Know?

Connections

Referenced in Musical daens (2008)

User Reviews

Epic film, very well done and very believable acting

This is an excellent movie that has very believable characters. The mixture of French, Flemmish/Dutch, and Latin make this a very interesting movie. The cinematography is also wonderful. Like many movies where French is spoken there is a sad undertone. In many ways it reminds me of Jean de Floret, another wonderful epic. Americans who like foreign films should watch this movie. I hope you like it!