Reviews

'Eigen Kweek' is set in the West-Flanders area of Belgium, traditionally the farming side of Belgium. Jos and his wife Ria get scammed by a fraudulent bank manager, ending up losing all of their life savings while separated from their retirement by only a few years. As the insurance won't cover their losses, Jos in all his despair decides to use his land and farming skills to grow a crop far more lucrative than the potatoes he has been growing thus far : cannabis.

Although the story at first glance might seem like a rip-off of such movies as 'Saving Grace' or the highly acclaimed series 'Breaking Bad', the production crew behind 'Eigen Kweek' has managed to create a mini- series with a very distinguishable character of it's own, and also the story itself is more than adequately different from any other similar productions. While the main story line is about a farmer trying to hold his head above the waterline by means of growing cannabis, there are also several other, very well worked out subplots. One of which handles upon 'import- brides', in this specific case from the Philippines. On a more subconscious level it is also an excellent depiction of the erratic and kooky mentality and upbringing of unfortunately a lot of people, not only nowadays, but as well as in the recent past. This in terms of their regards towards the subject of drugs, as well as foreigners, social status and many other everyday subjects. In case of this specific series this is even more so true as it very effectively and accurately sets down an image of rural Belgium.

The actors in this series, every single one of them, give a stunning performance, and the characters they play are all very credible and genuine, which is not to say that they are all likable. In fact, I personally was constantly feeling vicarious shame when watching many of the persona's in this otherwise truly magnificent series. Special credits go out to Sien Eggers, whose character Ria is so incredibly real and recognizable that it actually gave me the creeps on more than one occasion. Also Jos, played by Dirk Van Dijck, probably the most likable character in the series, is nothing short of an A-grade quality acting performance.

For domestic viewers the series manages to come over as even more genuine, one of the main reasons for which is the language used, more specifically the dialect and, let's not forget to mention, the shamefully poor English utilized by the characters. While this adds to the authentic feel of the series, it at the very same time also poses a major problem towards international opportunities for this series. It quite simply is very hard, if not impossible, to catch the charm of the used language when an attempt would be made to translate it. However, unlike series such as 'Matroesjka's', which had a much more international character to it, I don't think that the team behind 'Eigen Kweek' had the ambition of going international with this television series.

It is a brilliant show, with top notch performances from some of the best actors we have in Belgium, and it does an excellent job at telling the story of how a family tries to cope with an unfortunately ever more common social problem, by opposing it with another ever more common social 'solution'. Whilst at the same time it also, at one time more subtly than the other, touches the viewers own personal beliefs, ideas and opinions. It doesn't do so too explicitly, but it sure holds up a mirror in front of many of the people that have seen and still will see this show.

I give it a 9 out of 10, for the simple fact that there is no such thing as perfection.

Considering the unfortunately many poorly executed attempts at making racing inspired movies, my expectations of 'Rush' weren't all too high when I pressed the 'Play'-button on my DVD-player's remote control.

I'm not familiar with Ron Howard's oeuvre, and with Chris Hemsworth being the only name on the cast that actually rang any bells, expectations from that side weren't very high either. I'm not saying that Hemsworth is a bad actor, but the movies I've seen him play in, weren't exactly my cup of tea.

However, only a few minutes after the opening credits things started feeling right, very right. The movie, which tells the story of the legendary rivalry between F1 half-gods James Hunt and Niki Lauda, lends itself perfectly for a highly entertaining and interesting movie. Everything that Rush is. In terms of historical correctness there are a few things that aren't 100% correct, but these are minor and very few in numbers, but after all, this is a movie, not a documentary.

The scenery is excellent, and features a very high attention to detail, especially concerning the race tracks and their respective environments. Also the cars used in the movie are spot on in terms of historical correctness, as well is the information concerning the actual races that took place back then. The director makes great use of historical footage from back then, such as television and radio broadcasts.

The acting performances are superb, with special credit to both Hemsworth and Brühl, but also Alexandra Maria Lara gives stunning performance, especially when it comes to the emotional expressions that are probably spot on in terms of how a spouse of an actual race driver feels when he once again risks life and limb in pursuit of victory. The other actors and actresses showed great professionalism as well, and helped carry the movie to it's high quality status.

Also the camera work is excellent. Nothing overly fancy or exaggerated bling bling, as I initially feared would be the case. On the contrary even, the director makes use of fairly standard filming techniques, but all catch the spirit of the movie, the characters and the actual races spot on. About the races : they are truly excellent, and brought to image in a way respectful to the day and age they took place in. The intensity of the duels is transmitted towards the viewer without the loss of even a single drop of sweat of the drivers faces. If I would have any complaint at all about the racing scenes in the movie then it is that there are too few of them, but then again, that's probably just the racing enthusiast and car nut inside of me that's speaking. For the movie itself the mix between high-action driving scenes and the more dramatic ones is near perfect, they support the depiction of the actual plot, which is the rivalry between two highly talented and competitive men in just the right amount.

For those that aren't into cars or motor sports and that think this movie is nothing for them because of it's racing theme, don't fool yourselves. This is a great movie about the drama of two men in pursuit of their ultimate personal goal, and the effect this has on their respective surroundings. But it is also an excellent movie about mutual respect, braveness and chivalry as well as it is a respectful tribute to one of the most legendary pages in F1 history.

My expectations were quite low before I started watching this movie, but they very quickly turned out to be totally mistaken. This is a truly great movie, and very well worth two hours of your life. Apart from that, as a car enthusiast, I am truly pleased to finally see a movie again that honors the love people like us have for these machines and the sport of racing them. It clearly shows that this movie was made by people who share this love and respect.

Watch it, I promise you won't be disappointed.

9/10

If you're interested in where it all leads to and what could possibly be done about it... watch this. If you care that is. Best series ever, period. Not the easiest TV-series to watch and very demanding in terms of concentration and plot-following, but there's a reason for that. A straight-forward attack on every single braincell and emotion you have, without ever intending to hurt you. If reality doesn't scare you then definitely do watch this. It's an absolute work of art. When I first got my hands on this I watched all 13 episodes of the first season in one stretch, and the three days after that I watched the other four seasons in one lengthy marathon. Difficult, at times harsh to watch but oh so truthful and satisfying. Quite simply the very best series ever made. The acting, directing, the plots, everything : it all blends so perfectly together resulting in a true jewel. If social engagement doesn't sound like a dirty thing to you then do yourself a favor and watch this series. You won't regret it.