Review of Antonia's Line (1995) by Rich B — 23 Apr 2005

Antonia's Line (1995) - "What the eye doesn't see, the heart doesn't grieve about." - Antonia.

Following World War II, Antonia returns to a quiet Dutch village, the place of her birth, to start a new life with her daughter. Over time, Antonia's family expands through generations, absorbing the village into a matriarchal commune founded on liberal principals.

Willeke van Ammelrooy is the awesome Antonia and she is surrounded by such a fine cast of actors that if I don't control myself, I'll end up writing pages and pages about them. Music, direction (Marleen Gorris) - wonderful, but the truth is, it would ridiculous for me to even try to comment on the technical aspects of the film. Antonia's Line is one of those very rare films where acting, music, cinematography, etc. - all those things that go into creating a film - could be the very best imaginable and still be miles behind the story itself. This is a tale of love and community, where everyone can make a contribution, where no one's gifts are any greater than another's, and where those who seek to take advantage of others are driven from their midst.

I should warn you, Marleen's script skewers religion. More significantly, the story admires the power of female decisiveness and the proper role of the men in a community. I can tell you honestly, as a man (screaming tiger, hidden faggot) I was not offended. I truly enjoyed this experience.