Les quatre cents coups

Stars Jean-Pierre Léaud, Claire Maurier, Albert Rémy,
Guy Decomble, Georges Flamant, Patrick Auffay,
Daniel Couturier, François Nocher, Michel Girard
Written by François Truffaut & Marcel Moussy
Certification UK PG | France U
Runtime 99 minutes
Directed by François Truffaut

Les quatre cents coups(The 400 Blows) is an excellent coming of age film despite the early year in which it was made – 1959. The movie deals with the troubles which an average adolescence boy can get into – when understanding towards him lacks in the family. Antoine is a young lad who has never done wrong to anyone , goes to school and despite engaging in normal teenager mischiefs is just like your next door kid. His parents rarely pay attention to him -it almost seems that his existence is noticed only when he needs some money or when his mother demands something from him. His father is chasing his carrier and his mother rarely stays home – working much , or pretending to while having an affair with a coworker of hers. Interesting trivia about the film is that it is largely based on Truffaut’s ( its director ) own childhood experiences and probably this contributed to its wide success and status of true classic .

Antoine with his best friend

During the first thirty minutes of the movie – the action seemed really slow paced . This however allowed me to get familiar with the environment in which the boy lives- his parents , his friends , his school and interests. Later on those observations helped me to understand the factors that shape the present and the future of Antoine.

As a personal note I was really disgusted when Antoine`s parents sent him in a reformatory school – not really thinking of what is good for him , but only for themselves. I used to know a boy who once faced a similar destiny – only because the boyfriend of his mother did not like him hanging around. Once that boy made a stupid little childish mistake – his moter`s boyfriend made it look like it was a great deal and as a result the boy had to spend two years in a reformatory school. Probably that reference to my own experience made the movie even more touching …

Antoine and his ” loving ” parents

The camerawork in the movie is exceptional – especially when it comes to emphasizing the contrasts – innocence and its lost ( found in the puppet show watched by Antoine and his friend). Like most people who have seen and reviewed this movie I too was impressed by its final scene – a zoom in to a freeze frame, showing Antoine looking directly into the camera. There is so much desperation on his face – running away is no escape from his hopeless fate…

The 400 Blows, along with Les Mistons (1957), The Wild Child (1969) and Small Change (1969), represent one of the most tender and loving depictions of childhood in cinema. (original article)

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eqx8DxvpyR8

Jordan Jansen at 10, Already an Aussie Ledgend

An update : Jordan landed a part as Busy Malone – for more details click here.

July 2010 update : Some of the YouTube clips which were included in the article have been set to private as they were published by Jordan in the early days of his carrier. To reflect that they have been removed from the article as to ensure a better experience to our readers. You can always find his most recent clips at his you tube Chanel. In addition to that feel free to check the article titled Jordan Jansen – He’s got the look!

A little over two years ago, a young boy stood alone, on a very, very large stage. His eyes stayed low, looking down at his feet. His breathing was rapid and his blood rushed as the music began to play and quietly he began to sing. “Where is Love” As he went on, he relaxed a bit more and was able to sing a bit louder; maybe even a bit better. And finally the song was done. He survived it. The applause came and at that moment, he knew. He knew that’s what he wanted to do for the rest of his life.

His second song he entered the stage confidently. He knew what he would do. He knew the song. He listened for the music. His breathing was rapid and his blood rushed but this time not out of fear. This time it was excitement! He owned the stage and has owned it ever since.

Jordan Jansen is a 4ft 5in (135cm) bundle of talent. His Hazel colored eyes have sighted in on a target and he’s going for it. There is no stopping him once he sets his mind to achieve it. He has had dance lessons as well as singing and piano. His hard work really shows in his rapid advancement and his vocal skills have increased exponentially.

When I first heard Jordan sing, he was raw and unrefined. But I could hear those beautiful notes mingled within the searching notes. I knew they were there waiting to burst forth into a beautiful treble splendor. He was looking to find pitch without reference. He was learning musical progression, learning to intuitively anticipate the next note and to find it perfectly. He was hungry for it. And he found it and has continued finding it daily.

Since then he has learned a great deal. He has found his head voice and has learned to make good round vowel sounds. He does very little searching these days. He knows his craft and works to fine tune it daily. He has increased his library of songs and has expanded on rock solid performances. He has also become a much sought after actor. And the public is responding. Between his YouTube hits and his theater and nightclub performances, Jordan has become a professional in every sense of the word.

The Gold Coast Bulletin from July 03, 2008 Calls Jordan, a “Pint-sized Prodigy” as he readies for the “Galaxy of Stars” Charity Fund raiser on the 13th of July.

Here are just some of the things he has done:

THEATRE/STAGE:

Gold Coast Little Theatre:ROBIN HOOD & HIS MERRY MEN – Singer/Dancer

Nerang Bicentennial:ESTHER. Children’s Australian Rock Opera – Singer/Dancer – Dill

Spotlight Theatre:GYPSY – The Story of Gypsy Rose Lee – Singer/Dancer – Newsboy

Sanctuary Cove:

WEST SIDE STORY – Snow boy & Solo Singer

Gold Coast Little The

atre:ANNIE GET YOUR GUN – Playedthe minor principle role of Little Jake.

TELEVISION:Modeled for Channel Nine’s NRA Australian Fashion Awards 2006.

Ben Parkinson Casting Course 2006

Short Movie – Almost Famous 2007

Short Movie -An Ordinary Affair 2007

EISTEDDFODS:

Achieving very high results in numerous Eisteddfods, Jordan won the Overall 12 years and Under Song and Dance Award in Ipswich 2006, and last year won the Most Promising Performer receiving the Dot Doherty Trophy. He received the Music Excellence Award for the Beenleigh Eisteddfod & was invited back to sing for the Gold Coast Eisteddfod Musicale to perform his rendition of “I Am Australian.” 2008 Jordan won the Musical Theatre section of the Spotlight Entertainers Festival with his “If I Were a Rich Man” and received the perpetual trophy for the 2^nd year running.

Nothing stops this little guy. He overcomes every obstacle put in front of him. He has some digestive issues and severe food allergies that lands him in the hospital several times a year. But he just keeps on going. Recently he had a part in, “Annie Get Your Gun.” Which was demanding for both, performances as well as rehearsals. He also had Eisteddfods and had to report to the hospital for tests Every day! Not to mention that he was not feeling well at all. It was a schedule that made his mother/chauffer cringe and she didn’t even have to perform when she got to the destinations. But he did it all and school too. With top marks! And he did it all wonderfully. He won many events in the Eisteddfods.

Just hearing him speak, will put a smile on your face. He has that gifted quality to his voice. He’s one of those special people who is able to send a smile through his voice.

9 Year Old Jordan sings Edelweiss from the Sound Of Music in a lovely tribute clip for his Great Grand Mother on her 90th Birthday, he is unable to make the celebration so we are sending this for her to watch at her party.

There is one picture of Jordan in this video only at 2:04, he is sooooo little here!!!!

Honors for This Video:

#9 – Most Discussed (Today) – Australia

#1 – Most Discussed (Today) – Music – Australia

#39 – Most Discussed (Today) – Music

#63 – Most Discussed (This Week) – Australia
#2 – Most Discussed (This Week) – Music – Australia
#36 – Most Discussed (This Month) – Music – Australia
#16 – Most Viewed (Today) – Music – Australia
#15 – Top Favorites (Today) – Australia
#3 – Top Favorites (Today) – Music – Australia
#17 – Top Favorites (This Week) – Music – Australia
#8 – Top Rated (Today) – Australia
#1 – Top Rated (Today) – Music – Australia
#48 – Top Rated (Today) – Music
#52 – Top Rated (This Week) – Australia
#3 – Top Rated (This Week) – Music – Australia
#26 – Top Rated (This Month) – Music – Australia

9 Year Old Jordan Jansen singing Corner of the Sky from the Musical Stage Production of Pippen. This was sung during his Club Banora Performance last December. You can see more of Jordan at his website:

www.jordanjansen.com

Honours for This Video:

#5 – Most Discussed (Today)
#1 – Most Discussed (Today) – Music
#21 – Most Viewed (Today) – Music
#35 – Top Favourites (Today)
#5 – Top Favourites (Today) – Music
#8 – Top Rated (Today)
#2 – Top Rated (Today) – Music
#52 – Top Rated (Today) – Music – Global
#36 – Top Rated (This Week)
#6 – Top Rated (This Week) – Music

But Jordan is not the only talent that Lee-Anne and Andrew Jansen have to be proud of. Jordan has an older sister who works the stage too. Jessica is a beautiful young lady who is also an incredible dancer. We look forward to seeing more of her this year, as she goes through her first year of high school.

9 Year Old Jordan singing Electricity accompanied by his sister Jessica at Club Banora. Jessica put this little dance together only 2 days before this was performed. This is a special suprise for all their You Tube friends who have requested they perform together… without all your requests this routine would have never happened and we were truely honoured to have both our cherubs on stage together today.

Honours for This Video:

#55 – Most Viewed (Today)
#5 – Most Viewed (Today) – Music
#89 – Most Viewed (This Week) – Music
#4 – Top Rated (Today)
#1 – Top Rated (Today) – Music
#27 – Top Rated (Today) – Music – Global
#25 – Top Rated (This Week)
#3 – Top Rated (This Week) – Music

Jordan has produced his first CD for public release and has priced it at just $15 US Shipped anywhere in the world. Ask nicely and he may even autograph it for you.

Website: www.jordanjansen.com

Send an email for information on how to get Jordan’s CD.

Jordan’s BCSD Profile

One thing is absolutely certain. Jordan Jansen will be worth watching. He is a star now and he’s just getting started. Those that are wise enough to invest in this young man’s future will find a rock solid and certain return. Those that have seen and heard him can’t say enough.

The bottom line?

Jordan Jansen Rocks.

Coming of age films – boy`s or girl`s thing

Yesterday I was given a link to an article in Newser titled ” Gals Need Great Coming-of-Age Flick, Too“ . It dealt with the matter that while there is an abundance of coming of age movies with boys – the one with girls in the main role are pretty scare . I have noted that myself – but being a boy I have never really felt the need to see what girls are going trough while they are growing as it would be a bit hard to relate their experiences with my own. In fact a better illustration of this phenomen is to be find in another article titled “Where’s Our Stand By Me?” published in Jezebel . A short quote from it :

“The relationships shared between the boys seem so real, so true. You forget that you’re watching young actors; you feel as if you really get to know what it’s like to be an adolescent boy. Yet there isn’t really an equivalent for girls”

Is there a good coming of age movie that focuses on girls – at least half as good as the classic Stand by me, will you be interested to see it or read its review ? TheSkyKid.com is open to new challenges – don`t be surprised if we find , watch and review some great coming of age titles with a female lead – you can only help us find them.

Have you ever wondered why there are not that many coming of age films with girls ?

Related posts : The Ultimate coming of age movie list , Meme : coming of age movies, Top 5 Coming of Age Films for Girls

Iver (2004)

Iver is the first of the short movies I will review in this blog. I came to appreciate it as it brought many memories of the many days I spent around the pool training, swimming, and triathlon. Let’s start with the basic Iver is a Norwegian movie starring Erik Næsbak Brenden. It was broadcast on Norwegian TV in 2004. Later on, it was shown at many film festivals worldwide, amongst them the Chicago International Children’s Film Festival, the Wisconsin International Children’s Film Festival, and the Taiwan Intl. Children’s TV & Film Festival 2008. During the Giffoni Film festival in Italy, Iver won the Silver Grypon for Best Short Film. The movie is available in Norwegian only, but I discovered English subtitles. However, even if you don’t use them, you will still understand what’s happening as the dialogues in the movie are rather simple and easy to follow.

The plot follows the adventures of Iver, who is taken to the pool by his mother. Unfortunately, she cannot go in with him as she has to attend an important appointment. Once in the pool, he wants to have fun, high diving and using the swimming mates as a surfboard to skip across the top of the pool. Both of which are forbidden activities in this pool with stringent rules. And a very strict lifeguard is always after him ruining all the fun. Eventually, the boy gets thrown out of the pool for not behaving and failing to follow the rules.

http://youtu.be/VnCVvrMWT1o

However, Iver is not giving up (yeah), and when the pool closes, Iver sneaks back in to do some more swimming. Much to his surprise, he sees the lifeguard doing all the things he was not allowed to do, and then the ending is a happy one!

The morals of the movie are clear; too often, we have to keep rules broken by those who make them. (A double standard.) This reminds me that a policeman stopped me a few days ago and asked me why I was not riding my bike on the red line but the shoreline near the sea. (At the same time, he rode his motor scooter there.) A similar situation, but I couldn’t just answer, “because I like it more in here.” But back to the movie, its running time is only 9 minutes, but it’s guaranteed that you will have fun watching every one of them.

Alexander Desiré – Bel Canto

Released August 2008

A stunning vocal extravaganza showcasing Louis-Alexander Desire’s brilliance to the incredible music of the famed piano prodigy, Simon Goodman.

Carefully guided and trained in the Bel Canto style by Maestro Bernard d’Abrera, who continues to train Louis in the ancients’ style. Although the definition is gray to most, it certainly isn’t to Maestro Bernard d’Abrera, who describes it as creating a pillar of sound before the soloist uses the lungs’ diaphragm throaty tin sound of the mouth or throat. And when done properly, the Bel Canto style appears to be done effortlessly.

I can certainly tell you that Louis has mastered this sound, and he certainly makes it sound pure without effort. I also know, however, that he trains daily and trains with a proficiency that only comes with experience and the proper tutelage.

This brilliant compilation of songs from various composers ranges in time from the 1500s through today, showing that the distinctive Bel Canto form works with many music styles and is, in fact, timeless in its ability to add beauty and depth to any song of substance.

This CD has sixteen tracks of some of the most beautiful Bel Canto voices ever performed, and I don’t think the songs listed make it beautiful. I think that can only be credited to the talents and vocal fortitude of Louis-Alexander Desire.

Just thirteen last May, Louis is in vocal prime and shows no signs of his voice breaking. He is getting ready for the release of Vox Angeli’s second CD. Hopefully, we will see at least one more full solo CD by Louis in the Treble range. When you have a treble with such extraordinary talent, you want to get every not and preserve it for posterity. This CD set a whole new bar of achievement.

Like many, I wait patiently for the second Vox Angeli CD to be released.

However, I have not been this impressed in the way of treble soloist CDs since Louis-Alexander Desiré produced his “Forgotten Favorites” CD.

Pinocchio (2008)

Fairly tales – how wonderful they can be . Pinocchio is a well known story all over the world. If I am to count the numbers of time I have read it – I won`t be able to – having in mind that I love also the Aleksey Tolstoy`s version Buratino’s adventures. Which I happen to like even more. When I first saw the movie I was quite surprised – Pinocchio is the ultimate coming of age story and I was curious to see a new movie based on it. Moreover when I got the movie I did not even know who stars in it and was quite surprised ( pleasantly of course ) to see Thomas Sangster in the credits at the beginning of the film. Unfortunately it turned out that his role is a minor one and he is not the one in the role of Pinoccio – but then I am sure that all of his fans will be delighted to see him acting – and boy has he grown. He is also on the movie poster – which is not surprising as many would choose the story just because he stares in it .

Instead Pinocchio is played by the young Robbie Kay – who was unknown to me, but after watching Pinocchio, I can say for sure that I am going to be following his career. Robbie is very talented and fits perfectly in the role of Pinocchio. His facial expressions, voice and overall acting are sure to make an impression on everyone who sees the film. He has some experience in movies as he starred in “Fugitive Pieces” as the young Adam and in the TV production “My Boy Jack” and if you have seen those, you would remember him from there.

I am still unsure if Bob Hoskins was the best choice for the role of Geppetto. For some reason I can’t associate him with fairy tales and as a matter of fact, I am also not fan of his performance in “Where Eskimos Live”. ( which is the film I saw him in for a very first time ) Overall the casting, with exception of the minor role of Thomas Sangster and Robbie Kay, seemed quite odd to me. Yet that did not stop me from enjoying the movie. In fact I was glued to the screen realising how many, many of the things in the story can be applied directly to real life. ( To my life if you will, or yours ) I doubt that I was really able to understand that at the age of 6 or 7 when I must have read the book for a very first time.

Oh I am not going into details about the story as I am sure you all are familiar with it. May be some of you don`t know much about Buratino, but everyone has heard of Pinocchio. I also did not quite like the way the story was presented. To me the director used rather odd characters and settings – modernistic maybe …now if I wanted a modern improved version of Pinocchio I would just watched “A.I.” starring Haley Joel Osment which to me is the best interpretation of the story ever made. This version is also in English which was fine with me – but quite a few people think that for such a story, Italian with English Subtitles would have been a more appropriate choice. I can`t fully agree with that as it would have been much harder on the actors and would have affected the performance.

The whole movie is over 3 hours long which is typical for made for TV productions. Perhaps you remember the original of Entrusted. ( Starring Thomas Sangster as well ) The movie is quite enjoyable, you just have to ignore a few . . . weird things. Then maybe you would appreciate it more just for their acting. For example I am not fan of the movies produced by Tim Burton, while many other people liked them. So its up to you, but I recommend that you see this movie. No matter how old you are I am sure that you will find something in it of value . . . something special, just for you.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p3YYFdt7w60

IMDB

Milan

Milan is a short film produced in Yugoslavia. The action takes place during the 1999 Nato air-raids of the country. Milan, a six year old boy, lives with his older brother and parents in a small village near Belgrad. The two boys play together and life seems trivial as trivial as it can be having daily air strikes at the nearyby capital .Ognjenpromises his little brother that he would play “hide and seek” in the afternoon and Milan gets to the meeting point in the forest on time.

He is completely unaware of the fact that his older brother had an accident and is fighting for his life in the hospital. While Ognjen is struggling to survive, Milan starts looking for him, but instead of finding his brother, he finds someone else: an American pilot hiding in the woods after his plane went down… .

The movie also focuses on the reality of war – a reality which is often blended by the media propaganda. The focus is mainly on the effects of war on innocent civilians.When I was in high school at the US I was surprised that there were people in there who did not know that Serbians were going outside with a target posters – saying that they won`t up to any aggressor . I had my share of arguments with teachers from my school – who of course thought of the military actions in Serbia as liberating – I still fair to understand the whole ” War for peace thing “

The story of the film is well written and developed .It has its fair share of surprising turns which makes the film pleasant to watch for its entire 22 minutes.The actors speaks in Serbian – but one can follow the dialogue with the English subtitles provided.

IMDB

Cold Light

User Rating:5.8/10 IMDB
Director:Friðrik Þór Friðriksson
Writers:Friðrik Þór Friðriksson (writer)
Einar Kárason (writer)
Release Date:14 February 1987 (Iceland)

Scandinavian movies have always been a bit weird . Yet Cold Light is the first Scandinavian movie I saw that really made sense to me and I truly enjoyed my time in front of the screen. The movie focuses on the life of a man called Grimur – who tries to find his place in life . We see him in parallel as a sensitive young boy and a grown way and the director does a good job in making us thing how much the experiences we had in our childhood influences our personality as adults . I could say that in that sense the movie is a coming of age drama that emphasis on the human psychology .

Cold Light is an Icelandic film – and as such portrays the nature , traditions and lifestyle in this country in two different epocas. The film has an overall melancholic feeling from the opening scene ( which by the way is the most beautiful opening scene of a movie I have seen in a while ) to the final credits. First we are introduced to the adult Grimur – an artist who is attending courses to improve his drawing technique – but draws things as he sees them – not as he is expected to. Soon we see him as a boy growing up in a remote village in Iceland .

He is a sensitive boy with rich imagination and a special talent – he can see things in the future and is afraid of that ability of his . He express his visions in drawings – and becomes an artist at an early age. An old woman who he initially took for witch helps him to understand better himself saying that he does not have to fear things he is not familiar with. However he is remains frightened all his life…

The movie builds up tension gradually until one day Grimur has to face his fear and learn to deal with his past if he is about to have a future

The acting of the movie was exceptional – especially the one of Áslákur Ingvarsson as the young Grimor .

IMDB

Marcel Pietruch

A German friend of mine showed me an amazing performance of Marcel Pietruch – done for the the show Das Super Talent.Das Super Talent is the German version of America’s Got Talent and Britain’s Got Talent; remarkably successful show programs.Marcel is a hip – hop dancer and is good at that he does. His dance may look like an easy thing at first – but I can assure you that achieving such a perfection is a matter of hard training and above all requires serious dedication. One has to be really into music – to dance the way Marcel does – and he is only ten years old :

Marcel sets an example for someone who has a real talent and is confident enough to go on stage and show it ( many others do that – but lack either the talent or the confidence ). RTL which holds the rights for Das Super Talent show recently aired a back stage clip featuring interview of him, his mom and schoolmates . The dancing of Marcel reminds of the brake-dance team from Russia who participated in their local version of the show ” Minute Fame ” – Udi Junior …

Ratcatcher (1999)

ratcatcher

I saw the movie yesterday despite the fact that it was in my collection for over a year. I really liked it – even if I have to admit that I somehow missed the ending. Ratcatcher is a movie produced and filmed in Scotland and I do have an affection to such – especially to the accents of the actors and their general appearance . The movie has quite a few uncomfortable scenes – but at the same time they do not get as far as to call it disturbing .

The story is based in the 70`s when a nine week strike of the garbage collectors leaves Glasgow covered with trash . Its everywhere and so are the rats – but those things only set the place or the overall atmosphere of what the viewer is to witness .

The main character is the 12 years old James . Strangely enough we are introduced to it quite slowly – as observes trough the eyes of another boy who watches him playing nearby the dirty waters channel . This filming technique is used quite a lot during the movie and somehow it contributed to the impact of the scenes as we saw them trough the eyes of different characters .

We don`t really know anything about James – so when he causes something terrible to happen our opinion about him is definitely not that positive. James is hunted by gilt but decides to keep silent probably afraid of the possible consequences of his actions . As the movie revolves we are getting more and more familiar with the environment in which James lives and about him. I like these kinds of movies as watching them almost feels like you are fitting together a puzzle. To be more precise the movie offers some excellent character development combined with first class acting.

The movie is packed with an excellent actors from all ages – but the real focus is on the young cast especially the excellent representation of the lead character, which would never turn out so well without the perfect acting performance presented by William Eadie. It is his acting that makes the Ratcatcher a powerful coming of age drama that I highly recommend .

The camera work is first class as well and speaking for cinematography the fact that the movie`s director used to be a photographer herself . The compositions in the movie is excellent and in fact some screen shots of it would have made an excellent documentary photo exhibition about life , boyhood and poverty.

***

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RG5amE6TRwc

Similar movies : My Life As a Dog

Ratcather IMDB page

Pete (2003)

Pete is a very disturbing and difficult to watch. The movie was produced by Stormforce pictures. Despite the fact that it was probably made of a very tight budget it got recognized as the Best Drama at the 2004 New York Independent Film and Video Festival.

The director utilizes flashback techniques to introduce the memories of the nine years old Pete. The movie is shot in black and white and this only emphasizes its overall darkish atmosphere. The plot is portraying a rather typical story in which the parents willingly blame their kids for anything without even considering that the problem could be themselves – their attitude and behavior towards the world and the kids themselves. Some of the scenes show Pete witnessing the scandals between his parents and the desperation they cause on him. By the fifth minute the movie becomes really hard to watch as director does not spare anything from the abuse Pete gets from the hands of his own mother. By the ninth minute the movie becomes extremely disturbing – featuring a murder scene and then a very powerful and symbolic ending.

The camerawork is decent as you will notice that since the focus is one Pete , the majority of scenes are filmed at his level. Meaning the camera has been lowered – as to present the scenes the way he seem them.Its almost like if the movie is supposed to appear as though we’re watching surveillance footage

The cast had notable British accent – and the acting was pretty well.

Zucht (2007)

Zucht - A 12-year-old boy who is yet to feel the first trembles of love.

Name: Sigh
Original name: Zucht
Year:2007
country of origin: The Netherlands
Director: Margien Rogaar
Genre: Short film
Duration: 10 mins
Starring:Yannick de Waal, Moo Miero, Roeland Fernhout

http://youtu.be/2dbMiMLfcZQ

Zucht is one of those movies you have to watch several times to fully get its meaning. At first, the movie did not seem very promising or meaningful. One may even say that Zucht is quite a confusing film. However, if you see it a few times through the eyes of the different characters (imagining it really) it’s quite possible that it will give you different very impressions about the film and the life around you.

Camerawork

The camera work in this film was pretty decent for a short film. The actors were all very good-looking and had very expressive faces and postures. The camera work was pretty adequate for this. Taking pictures in water that are still and steady are quite difficult without a lot of investment. Skin and face close-ups were frequent and that made the atmosphere of the movie seem more personal and intimate. That fact alone brings kudos to the film and it’s makers.The timing and pacing were also quite smooth and flowing.

The Plot

The main character was a 13-year-old boy who is yet to feel the first trembles of love. He seems pretty shy to me smiling when a girl called him for a bike ride and then at the beach it become clear that he is a bit embarrassed by his body, as he struggled behind the towel to change into his swimming suit. When it comes to nudity I found his behavior quite weird but that’s me. I am used to hanging out at nude beaches where I have to admit it’s quite odd when you see someone acting the way that boy did. On a side note it was obvious that the girl liked him a lot it’s just that I could not figure out if man that went riding with them was her father, a brother or another of their friends.

That in itself could turn the meaning of the movie at 180 degrees.

Below you will see the various and diverse interpretations of the movies meaning.

One reviewer wrote:

12-year-old Erik goes to the beach with his friend Sofie and her dad.Sofie seems to be in love with Erik, but Erik seems to be a lot more interested in her dad!

And another wrote:

In this movie, Erik awakening to the joys of sexuality, the stirrings of love and the pleasures of the human skin. I think the message is one of freedom and innocence, at a time when coming of age facing a life-changing experience – is that magic happy time in our lives .

And still another:

The previous relationship which he obviously had with the other boy who was a friend the way only two boys can be, form and the symbolic separation on the bicycle ride to the beach. From the open “shedding of the skin”

symbolic of aging to the final kiss. Once at the beach the previous relationship which was consensual and mutual, probably from an early age became tentative. He was obviously still aroused by the sight of his friend becoming naked and hid his forming erection behind the towel then rushed to the water. He was evolving. The young girl who was very pretty obviously had eyes for him and he for her. But he was still torn between what was and what he wanted now. She delivered and invitation in a kiss. He had to decide now.

He rushed to his friend now in the water to say a final goodbye delivering his message with the tag of continued love signaled that although he was changing from a boy to a young man that he would always have love for his childhood mate.

He returned to the young girl with the last vestiges of his boyhood washed away, he accepted her invitation.

As you can see, how you identify the older male role in this movie can change your perception of it’s meaning dramatically.

Soundtrack and Audio

At its very begging the movie had quite modern techno music – which could make you wonder what kind of film it would be. There was very little dialogue in the place which made the plot a bit harder to get adding to the initial confusion the movie caused . However it could be argued that the acting compensated for the limited dialog as much had to be said with the eyes, body language and the directors clues. Finally it should be noted that the dialogue is in Dutch – and probably the limitations of the dialogue would actually do you a favor if you are not familiar with this language.

the English translation “Sigh” means “1. A deep and prolonged audible inspiration or respiration of air, as when fatigued or grieved; the act of sighing.[so i found it quite interesting that none of the characters really do “sigh’ audibly at all, but that the “sighing” is all done in the imagery and what i saw throughout the movie

To summarize

A very symbolic and moving piece done in a very short film. Symbolic films are very difficult because different cultures have different value bases. Your understanding and definition what love is could change. It demonstrated the dilemma of sexual choice in the adolescent male. Such a simple movie it really makes you think about things so much. ‘Zucht’ could have an awakening effect on you.

– now I get it: close friendship is a form of love!

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Have you ever wondered why there are not that many coming of age films with girls ?