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 7 wins & 10 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:

feminist film | strong female character | strong female lead | title directed by female | character name as title | 

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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

Did You Know?

Trivia

The first movie directed by a woman to win the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film.

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Quotes

Boer Daan: Still as mean and ugly as before. But, Christ, what a well-stacked daughter you've got. Here, my two sons. Thoroughbred stallions both of them, ready to be put out to stud. Just right for this girl of yours, eh?

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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

I found Antonia's Line to be a wonderful expression of what is endearing and enduring in the human spirit. It was a truly lovely story, clever character development, warmly delivered. I can understand how some may not understand or enjoy this film. It flies in the face of convention, but that is its beauty. Some would fear the freedoms this film demonstrates.

Love and acceptance abound, in a timeless manor. I like the way it offered a different definition of family, one where diversity is an asset, guarded by respect.

This is one of the greatest stories to come across the screen.

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:

GBP1,500,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$45,051, 4 February 1996

Gross USA:

$4,228,275

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$4,249,321

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