I saw this film years ago as part of the Seattle International Film Festival or SIFF as we call it. I went because it was a Dutch film, not knowing anything about it, and enjoyed it tremendously.
It was slow paced, which I enjoyed it for, without a lot of "plot"...something I have read it has received a lot of criticism for. I would argue that the plot may not be big, but it is deep and allowed you the room to think (ponder if you will).
The story is ultimately about a father-son relationship. The father is very taciturn and the owner/coach at a local boxing gym. His son is different. This causes some friction between the two. Machismo means everything to the one...while probably nothing to the other. That is a complex relationship. Love, protection, fear, hatred, hurt, anger...there is a lot in this film. Told almost entirely through expressions with very little dialogue, which didn't bother me because they are guys! How many guys do you know who are good about expressing their emotions and fears? Especially to other guys? This seemed natural and organic.
The best part of the film was the cinematography. I felt like this was a gorgeous summer postcard to Amsterdam-North which is separated from the bustling city by a river giving it a small town feel in a big city. So watch it for nothing else but that...and I think you will enjoy it.
