A Dutch matron establishes and, for several generations, oversees a close-knit, matriarchal community where feminism and liberalism thrive.
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Title: Antonia's Line (1995)
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Cast
| Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
| Willeke van Ammelrooy | ... |
Antonia
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Els Dottermans | ... |
Danielle
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Dora van der Groen | ... |
Allegonde
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Veerle van Overloop | ... |
Thérèse
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Esther Vriesendorp | ... |
Thérèse (13)
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| Carolien Spoor | ... |
Thérèse (6)
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Thyrza Ravesteijn | ... |
Sarah
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Mil Seghers | ... |
Kromme Vinger (Crooked Finger)
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| Jan Decleir | ... |
Boer Bas
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Elsie de Brauw | ... |
Lara
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| Reinout Bussemaker | ... |
Simon
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Marina de Graaf | ... |
Deedee
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Jan Steen | ... |
Lippen Willem (Loony Lips)
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Catherine ten Bruggencate | ... |
Malle Madonna (Mad Madonna)
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Paul Kooij | ... |
Protestant
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Edit
Plot Summary
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Storyline
In an anonymous Dutch village, a sturdy, strong-willed matriarch looks back upon her life, the generations of family and friends gathered around her table, and ponders the cyclical nature of time. Written by Dawn M. Barclift
Plot Keywords:
dutch | village | moving statue | kicked by a cow | forename as title |Taglines:
A motion picture that celebrates everything you love about life.Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)
Rated R for strong sexual content, and for some violence, including a rape scene | See all certifications »Parents Guide:
View content advisory »
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See more »
See full technical specs »
Details
Language:
DutchRelease Date:
2 February 1996 (USA) See more »Also Known As:
Antonia's Line See more »Filming Locations:
BelgiumBox Office
Gross:
$4,823,217 (USA)Company Credits
Show detailed
company contact information
on
IMDbPro »
Technical Specs
Runtime:
Sound Mix:
Dolby DigitalColor:
ColorAspect Ratio:
1.85 : 1
Edit
Antonia: How about a husband to go with it?
Danielle: No.
See more »
Written by George Whiting and Walter Donaldson
Performed by Dora van der Groen and Centrum Nieuwe Koormuziek
See more »
Did You Know?
Quotes
Danielle: Mama, I want a baby.Antonia: How about a husband to go with it?
Danielle: No.
See more »
Connections
Referenced in Siskel & Ebert: Palmetto/Senseless/Dangerous Beauty/Mrs. Dalloway/Nil by Mouth/Live Flesh (1998) See more »Soundtracks
My Blue HeavenWritten by George Whiting and Walter Donaldson
Performed by Dora van der Groen and Centrum Nieuwe Koormuziek
See more »
(Note: Over 500 of my movie reviews are now available in my book "Cut to the Chaise Lounge or I Can't Believe I Swallowed the Remote!" Get it at Amazon.)
This is an incredibly seductive movie with a strong sense of the spirit of Demeter and Dionysus throughout. There's no Hollywood glamour here. Instead we have an unabashed celebration of life ("This is the only dance we dance") in which love, community and simple hard work prevail. The simple are seen as the equal of the gifted, and everybody (except for rapists and hypocrites) are appreciated for their strengths and forgiven their faults. Intellectualism is seen as quaint and unsocial (as in the person of Crooked Finger) possibly leading to a morbid cynicism. And brain power (as in the person of the prodigy Therese) is just another talent, like being able to laugh or to bale hay or to have lots of children.
This is the Dionysian view of life that doesn't allow for Apollo, and there's a lot to be said for it. But I couldn't help but reflect that during the time span depicted in this movie--five generations in Holland during the twentieth century--Europe experienced some of the most horrific events known to humankind, two world wars, genocide, concentration camps, poison gas, fire bombings, political repression, and the death of millions of people. But perhaps that is director Marleen Gorris's point, to see life at its most elemental, locally and without the horror of war and the delusions of generals and politicians.
What's not to like about that? Well, not to rain on anyone's love-fest, but we have vigilante justice here and a murder, seemingly justified and certainly agreeable to the audience since the victim was a brutal rapist. Men are not exactly banished, but they are put in their place, serving or (literally) servicing women. What is banished is orthodox religiosity in the form of a hypocritical cleric who (with his disciples, we are told) goes to town and becomes a social worker (!).
This is also an ode to feminism and a deliberate tear-jerker that manipulates the emotions of the audience. Yet, somehow Gorris, who also wrote the script, manages not to offend my sensitivities. I think it is because the movie amounts to a very effective sermon against prejudice of any kind, and because of the gentle humanity of her tale.
You'll forgive me, however, if I say that my favorite part was the handstand! It was just perfect.