Sea of Silence (2003)

Caro, a 9 year old girl, wants to understand the mysteries of the world around her. However, her religious education and the modern world don't always seem to make a good match.

Director:

Stijn Coninx

Writer:

Jacqueline Epskamp

Stars:

Huub Stapel, Johanna ter Steege, Neeltje de Vree

3 wins & 1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Huub Stapel	...	Mees Werner sr.
Johanna ter Steege	...	Ita Werner
Neeltje de Vree	...	Caro Werner
Nyk Runia	...	Mees Werner jr.
Yannic Pieters	...	Bram Werner
Julia Van Lisenburg	...	Annette Werner
Isabel Leur	...	Lettie Werner
Anneke Blok	...	Tante Connie
Annet Malherbe	...	Tante Masha
Kees Hulst	...	Oom Tom
Michiel Beurskens	...	Adri
Marisa Van Eyle	...	Tante Veronica
Jappe Claes	...	Oom Willy
Betty Schuurman	...	Moniek
Valentijn Vermeer	...	Thijs

Storyline

1969. Nine-year old Caro lives on a pig farm in a small town with her four other siblings and another on the way. She is curious and determined to understand the mysteries of the world around her. But her devout catholic father can't explain the new world and her mother is too busy for philosophy so she converses to God. One day at school she is horrified to learn that man will soon set foot on the moon. In her eyes it's not possible that God would allow anyone to get so close to Heaven. Her clowning father agrees and, unable to cope with modern-day progress, hits the bottle. Caro is preparing for her first holy communion to become 'a bride of God' but before that she seals a pact with her father to overcome her fear of swimming in exchange, he will not touch a drop of alcohol.

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Plot Keywords:

holy communion | watching tv | unhappy marriage | teacher | swimming pool | 

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Genres:

Drama | History

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Did You Know?

Connections

Referenced in Goedemorgen Nederland: Episode dated 31 October 2003 (2003)

User Reviews

Touching and honest.

I watched this film recently at the Hong Kong Int Film Fest and found it, as stated, to be honest and touching. Honest, from the point of view that the story is dealing with religious/social feelings and 'obligations' in late 60's Belgium, and I'm sure they would apply to other areas of Europe at the same time. The fact that the family is coping with an alcoholic father/husband and the whole community knows about his habit is also very honest.

Some of the more touching parts of the film are the daughters attitude to her forthcoming holy communion and her imagination of what communion means for her 'relationship' with God. Also, the portrayal of how children behave when growing up, the telling of a secret, for example is well observed.

Not having seen any other films from Belgium, I cannot comment on whether it merited a nomination for the Academy Awards over any other film produced in 2003. But, what I can say is that the film has nothing to be ashamed of. It has treated the issues sensitively and honestly. Giving a good insight into the attitudes of the era.

This film was entertaining to watch. 7.5/10

Details

Country:

Netherlands Belgium Denmark Germany

Language:

Dutch

Release Date:

29 October 2003 (Belgium)

Also Known As:

Sea of Silence

Company Credits

Production Co:

Broadcasting Agency, Isabella Films B.V., Katholieke Radio Omroep (KRO)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

105 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color