I am not a film historian and usually not a big fan of older movies. I also, unusually, didn't do a lot of research for this so the only thing left is my review of watching this film without any context...and it is an amazig piece of art. The story is very gripping and tragic. It is a story about love, forgiveness, trust, class differences and wrath. All of this is done in a mostly comedic way, yet there are a few perfectly placed scenes where visionaries Koster and Winar let the reality of the situations and problematic character relationships sink in. Yet at the end of it, it has a positive message and leaves you with a warm feeling inside of you that will make your day, so if you can, watch it with friends or family. That is not to say that this film isn't funny. Quite the contrary, it might just be one of the funniest films I have ever seen. Wether it is humor through dialogue, situational comedy, slapstick or just characters reacting, it works everytime and I guarantee to you, you will be laughing a lot. Cinematography, editing and music are all very strong and at an absolute A-Game, to compliment the story it wants to tell. What really holds this film together though, is the cast. Louis De Bree, Philip Dorn, Mary Dresselhuys, Dolly Mollinger and Louis Borel play the main part of the characters and do a very good job at bringing their parts to live, everyone is just so comitted to the material they have and is giving 100%. Specially De Bree, as the well intended Uncle "Moekie" who is the only one looking out for everyones best in the whole chaos, really is a stand out, often playing the straight man to many of the more out there performances and grounding the scenes while bringing an irresistable charme to the character. Now it is time to mention the three scene stealers. Chris Baay plays Schimmelmann a whacky, mysterious, sort of bumbling, yet thanks to Baays amazing performance, irresistable, funny and loveable character. He has all these little nuances that make the character so endearing and memorable and he steals every scene he is in. Same can be said about Mary Smit, who plays the former lion tamer turned steward, Roosje. She only has 2 scenes but she commands them with ease, bringing a menace, terror and authority to the character through her appearence and movement alone, let alone her acting skills, that I have not seen repllicated or done better ever since. For both of these it can be said that they are delivering a unique, weird, experimental, risky and out there performance tht pays off 100%. The third scene stealer is the legendary August Kiehl as the Butler Frans, a short yet humorous and memorable part that the veteran plays to perfection with ease. Within 2 seconds the audience has closed the character into their hearts, smiling dearly at this old, dedicated, kind and humerous soul. Last but certainly not least there is Cor Ruys as the lead ,towering above them all, Baron "Kribbebijter" himself. This is his movie and it is the role of a lifetime. Ruys commands every scene he is in effortlessly, bringing a wide range of tones and emotions to the film, humor, menace, authority, humanity and even warmth. Every single line he has or moment he has, wether it is just asking his daughter where she has been, cursing about bakers, insulting his serving woman, reacting to his son having a break-up, fighting a pen or ordering a glass of buttermilk, Ruys makes it unforgettable and amazing. It is one of, if not THE greatest performances of the 20th century and if all I have said before isn't enough to convince you to see it, then see it for him alone, he is totally worth it. That is all I could possibly say about it. I can't recommend this movie enough, infintly rewatchable and just an absolute joy over all it is a must-see in my opinion.
