Brandende liefde

'Brandende liefde' (= Dutch for 'burning love') is a bittersweet comedy, set in the Dutch mid-20th century aristocracy. Set in an environment that has become history by now, evoking memories to those old enough to remember.

This very Dutch film is based on a novel by the famous Dutch writer Jan Wolkers. A writer who never ceased to express his love for nature: 'Brandende liefde' is the Dutch name for the flower 'Lychnis Arkwrightii Vesuvius'.

Another Wolkers-specialty was merging his stories with the vulgar side of life: death, decay, lust, sex, filth and nudity. All told in a very direct down-to-earth style. Apart from his great writing-ability, this recipe made Wolkers famous in a time when writing about such things still was a novelty.

These elements show in the film. 'Brandende liefde' is sometimes amusing, sometimes revolting. Sometimes rude and sometimes tender. Sometimes crude, sometimes tasteful. Sometimes beautiful and sometimes ugly. Whatever, the mix works.