Bride Flight (2011)

I am not good at watching movies at the moment, my concentration is shot - I hope, temporarily. However, this is 2 hrs something and I was glued to it. It was light enough to be enjoyable and of enough substance to hold the attention. I don't know how close to the historical facts it runs, but it didn't do New Zealand's tourism hopes any harm with breathtaking views and a good plug for the wine industry. The story is mostly predictable but runs smoothly, the main actors are great with a nice touch of drama here and there. My only gripe is that some of the smaller parts were played by Australian actors, with noticeable accents. Really? Couldn't find any NZers? Apart from that, sweet as.

This film is amazing! It is so much more than what it at first seems to be. It's a heartbreaking, intricate film reminiscent of The Notebook. The movie follows the lives and entangling love affairs of three beautiful Dutch women (Marjorie, Ada and Esther) immigrating from post World War II Holland to New Zealand, where their respective fiancés await them. They meet the film's heartthrob, Frank, during their immigration flight. As the plot unfolds, passionate encounters between these four complicate the lives of each character. Yes, this movie an epic love story, but it also captures the historical moment through careful filming and acting to match. Alluring, sensual, quiet and complicated, this film also takes a careful smart eye to watch. By its end, you are left with a smile and a heavy feeling that you've just watched something full of depth and meaning.

I was fortunate enough to see a screening of this recently and I have to say I was pleasantly surprised at how incredibly crafted this film was. I had no prior knowledge of the film other than it being a Dutch film, which is what initially intrigued me. While the context of the story is set within post WWII Holland, the emotions and relationships extend to any culture. I found the acting to be very natural and convincing as well, especially by Waldemar Torenstra (Young Frank) and Elise Schaap (Marjorie). Ben Sombogaart does a good job of adding layers to each character's relationships as they grow through time. I'm not sure how much I can divulge but the use of wine as a metaphor was well done, subtle and pertinent. Overall, I would recommend this film to anyone. Its a wonderful drama that I'd put up against any of its kind, such as the Notebook or Atonement.

After reading the previous comments from (mostly) Dutch viewers I feel I have to add some more. This movie has to be seen with the historic background in mind : early 50's in post-war Holland, the recent loss of Indonesia as colony, (war) broken families, and a recent flood disaster. There are a few references to these events. In this time a lot of Dutchies migrated to New Zealand, Australia, Canada and the USA (incl. my relatives). Young people wanting a new start, after the WW-II war. Some of them were born and raised in Indonesia, suffered from the Japanese camps, and when they were forced to relocate to post-war Netherlands after Indonesia's independence the Netherlands was like an unknown country for them. This movie's Frank is an example of such a young man. Lost and looking out for a new life, with no attachments to his "mothercountry".All main characters have their personal baggage from these tragic events they experienced during their young years. Marjorie is a little of an exception to this. Which translates in the plot. The storyline really tells subtly and in complexity how this generation walked away from their past, leave it behind and looking out for a prosperous future in their chosen promised land. I give this movie an 8 out of 10. Production is solid, as is the acting. Scenery adds up to this feeling of "promised land".