De Marathon

If you want to know about Dutch culture, watch this movie. It depicts every aspect of social life and more. Of course, it's all a bit over the top. But the basics are very accurate.

Most accents are spot on, and some words are indeed gems. Like 'fruitschuitje', saying that word in a Rotterdam accent is like a little poem. And the scene where the Marathon guys had to wait for the Amsterdam mover to unload dozens of boxes was also spot on. It is the essence and difference between these two cities; Rotterdam is very energetic - it's all about getting things done. Amsterdam is very laid back - work isn't that important.

There are about a million other small details that are so very true about the way things are in the circles depicted. The camaraderie, the swearing (another review thought it wasn't appropriate and maybe it isn't, but it's very realistic), the food, the determination, and the taking care of each other.

But the best part was the jokes. I laughed so hard! Not very PC (not at all) and not for the faint of heart, but my goodness, there were some brilliant jokes there. Which is another thing that is so realistic. The quick wit of the characters; they have a sharp eye and a sharp tongue.

The acting is also absolutely exceptional. The story doesn't call for characters with many layers, but we get to know the marathon men quite well. We see their vulnerabilities and their struggles. But foremost, we see their 'cold hands, warm heart'. And that's what makes this film irresistible.