In 19th century Holland, a young adult man, Ruben, is struggling with his loss of sight. Prone to temper tantrums and despair, his mother wants to help him cope with his blindness but she is not in good health herself. The two of them live in a large mansion with very few visitors. One day, a woman named Marie, an albino, answers the mother's ad for a person to read to Ruben and comes to the home. Things do not go well the first day. Ruben becomes violent but, surprisingly, Marie is strong-willed and gives him tit for tat. From that auspicious start comes a strong friendship between Ruben and his reader. It may even turn to love. But, as Ruben can not see Marie, he is not aware of her looks or age. Word comes from a doctor that an operation may restore the young man's sight. Will love still flourish when the two lovers can see each other face to face? This is a highly unusual film with a strong, dynamic look and an intriguing setting and plot. The wintering landscape, the old mansion, and the costuming all evoke a desolate, strange atmosphere and Marie's out-of-the-ordinary looks complete the picture. Special applause should then be extended to the artistic impression of the film. Nevertheless, the movie sometimes appears too contrived (Marie ends up reading the Snow Queen to her charge) and this subtracts from the overall impact of a young, loveless boy and an older, loveless lady falling into a relationship that may better the both of them. But, if you like foreign or highly unusual flicks, you will want to seek this one out. Few discriminating film goers will be blind to the artistic assets this movie possesses.
