A Noble Intention (2015)

In 1888 Amsterdam, a stubborn violin maker and his pharmacist cousin face hardship and tragedy as they oppose the powerful businessmen who plan to force him from his house and erect a luxurious new hotel in its place.

Director:

Joram Lürsen

Writers:

Frank Ketelaar (screenplay), Thomas Rosenboom (novel)

Stars:

Gijs Scholten van Aschat, Jacob Derwig, Rifka Lodeizen

2 wins & 11 nominations.

Cast

Credited cast:
Gijs Scholten van Aschat	...	Vedder
Jacob Derwig	...	Anijs
Rifka Lodeizen	...	Martha
Zeb Troostwijk	...	Klein Pet
Juda Goslinga	...	Bennemin
Elisabeth Hesemans	...	Mother Bennemin
Joosje Duk	...	Johanna Bennemin
Sander van Amsterdam	...	Lubber
Houk van Warmerdam	...	Sieger
Thomas Cammaert	...	Ebert
Leon Voorberg	...	Henkenhaf
John Leddy	...	Mr. Carstens
Tobias Kersloot	...	Theo
Peter Blankenstein	...	Schuurman
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Hanne Arendzen	...	Receptioniste Henkenhaf

Storyline

1888: a luthier, Vedder (Gijs Scholten van Aschat), has to step aside when his home, opposite the recently completed Central Station in Amsterdam, must yield for the planned Victoria Hotel. His cousin Anijs (Jacob Derwig), pharmacist in the Northern provinces of the Netherlands, has gotten into a fix after illegal medical practices, and is looking for a way out. For himself and his wife Martha (Rifka Lodeizen), but also for a colony of poor peat cutters whom he promises a future in the United States. Committed - or is it pride? - the two of them think up a scheme from which they all will fully benefit. With tragic consequences.

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Plot Keywords:

hotel | letter | funeral | father son relationship | hospital | 

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Genres:

Drama | History

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Did You Know?

Trivia

The houses in Amsterdam featured in the story really exist and can be seen on the Prins Hendrikkade.

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Goofs

In the movie is a scene with a bridge in Amsterdam with two carriages, and it main character comes towards the camera, the smoke from the chimneys of the houses on the right does not move.

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Soundtracks

Violin Concerto in D major, Op. 77
Composed by Johannes Brahms 1878
Performed Janine Jansen

User Reviews

A Noble Effort

Visually stunning but with a story that presents a dreary view of late 19th century Amsterdam. A pharmacist and his cousin concoct a plan to emigrate poor peat workers to America when an investor decides to build a luxury hotel and buy up downtown properties. They see an opportunity to pocket some money and offer the peasants a new start in the land of the free. Things don't go well in negotiations lending to some tragic results. Slower paced but excellent performances keep A Noble Intention interesting if flawed.

Details

Official Sites:

Official site [Netherlands]

Country:

Netherlands

Language:

Dutch Yiddish English

Release Date:

10 December 2015 (Netherlands)

Also Known As:

A Noble Intention

Filming Locations:

Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, Netherlands

Box Office

Budget:

EUR5,900,000 (estimated)

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$1,790,201

Company Credits

Production Co:

Topkapi Films, Vrijzinnig Protestantse Radio Omroep (VPRO), I'm FILM

Technical Specs

Runtime:

115 min

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1