Antonia's Line (1995)

A Dutch matron establishes and, for several generations, oversees a close-knit, matriarchal community where feminism and liberalism thrive.

Director:

Marleen Gorris

Writer:

Marleen Gorris

Stars:

Willeke van Ammelrooy, Jan Decleir, Veerle van Overloop

Won 1 Oscar. Another 6 wins & 8 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Willeke van Ammelrooy	...	Antonia
Els Dottermans	...	Danielle
Dora van der Groen	...	Allegonde
Veerle van Overloop	...	Thérèse
Esther Vriesendorp	...	Thérèse (13)
Carolien Spoor	...	Thérèse (6)
Thyrza Ravesteijn	...	Sarah
Mil Seghers	...	Kromme Vinger (Crooked Finger)
Jan Decleir	...	Boer Bas
Elsie de Brauw	...	Lara
Reinout Bussemaker	...	Simon
Marina de Graaf	...	Deedee
Jan Steen	...	Lippen Willem (Loony Lips)
Catherine ten Bruggencate	...	Malle Madonna (Mad Madonna)
Paul Kooij	...	Protestant

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.

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Plot Keywords:

f rated | feminist film | dutch | village | triple f rated | 

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Taglines:

A motion picture that celebrates everything you love about life.

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for strong sexual content, and for some violence, including a rape scene

Details

Country:

Netherlands Belgium UK France

Language:

Dutch

Release Date:

2 February 1996 (USA)

Also Known As:

Antonia's Line

Filming Locations:

Neuville-aux-Tourneurs, Belgium

Box Office

Budget:

£1,500,000 (estimated)

Gross USA:

$4,823,217

Company Credits

Production Co:

Bergen,Prime Time,Bard Entertainments

Technical Specs

Runtime:

102 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Quotes

Danielle: Have you ever eaten an artichoke? Shall I tell you how? An artichoke is thick and round and green. The leaves are fleshy and soft. First, boil the artichoke in salted water. Then, peel off the leaves, one by one, dip them in a vinaigrette sauce, then scrape off the tender flesh with your teeth, until you reach the heart.
Lara: The heart?
Danielle: The heart, yes.
Lara: And what do you do with the heart?
Danielle: You savor it, bit by bit, with your eyes closed. It's a delicacy.
Lara: The whole thing is a delicacy.
Danielle: Yes, all of it is...

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Connections

Featured in The 79th Annual Academy Awards (2007)

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Soundtracks

My Blue Heaven
Written by George Whiting and Walter Donaldson
Performed by Dora van der Groen and Centrum Nieuwe Koormuziek

User Reviews

Great film, well made with incredible characters.

I have to disagree with those who claim that this film is ULTRA feminist. Though Marleen Gorris' feminism is indeed apparent is indisputable. But people who are not necessarily part of the feminist movement will still appreciate this film. It is a more modern view of the independent woman, but I didn't see the political agenda of Gorris overpowering the film. It can be enjoyed as a simple "fairy-tale" (as declared by Gorris herself). The portrayal of women as independent and strong is definitely refreshing, but those who claim this film makes a statement against religion and family aren't necessarily accurate. the film covers these issues, showing women's strength in dealing with religious hypocrites and single motherhood, but I personally didn't feel the film was encouraging all women to leave the church or raise up families independently. It's a marvelous story of women's strengths and vulnerabilities, and the love that the women in one family share. ALL people will enjoy this film.