Truly great cinematography, at a minimum cost, with unknown actors. Can it be? Sure. Just sit comfortably, relax and let this film tune up with your breath. Tamar van den Dop delivered a hollow drama, with an approach that brings to mind Lars von Trier at his best. She is presenting images of her story with unparalleled power, filmed in a minimal way that underlines every single moment, every single shot, every breath the characters take. The story itself is a very powerful one, carrying echoes from ancient Greek tragedies. A love story, the most common story in all times, takes off here and grabs us in a turn no one could imagine. Brilliant. Besides the poetic images, the use of sound and music pieces is Dop's secret weapon. Some of the best secanses I've ever seen, have been filmed with utmost care, superbly designed and executed. Really, you must see for yourself. Last but not least, the actors. Halina Reijn and Joren Seldeslachts are perfectly casted to give flesh and bones to two difficult characters, under the exceptional guidance of van den Dop.A very original and unconventional point of view, the new era in cinematography. Don't miss it.

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.

Or at least try not to read much about the movie. As a friend told me, he had read the storyline and wasn't as moved by the movie, as he could've been. Since I hadn't read anything about it, I wasn't preoccupied. And I can only tell you, that it really is a very good movie! It's lyrical, it has poetic touches, it's dramatic, it's funny, it will take you on an emotional journey, if you don't get distracted by a few (minor) flaws. Beautifully shot and edited, this movie has some great actors, playing their parts very convincingly. Let this tale take you on a emotional trip and you won't regret it!

This 2007 Dutch film is perhaps one of the most brilliant and haunting movies I've seen lately. A young blind man lives with his mother in an estate home, where he is prone to violent outbursts that drive away most of the hired help. Until Marie turns his world upside down.Mysterious and fragile, she is an albino who bears physical and emotional scars from an abusive childhood. Initially the young man makes sexual advances towards her but it quickly deepens into mutual love. He cannot see her snow-white hair or skin but he "feels" her beauty. She is fearful that once he is able to see (through a doctor's intervention), he will be repulsed by what the world has considered a defect.One recurring theme is that of Hans Christian Andersen's "The Snow Queen". This becomes his favorite story which she reads to him often...and it is appropriate because Marie herself is a snow queen. This movie is cleverly executed: every scene illuminates Marie's struggle to accept the love of another "imperfect" person and to love herself. This film is about humanity, trust, and one special man who sees true beauty where others cannot. Despite his blindness he "sees" and feels deeply. He loves a woman who is shunned and ridiculed because of her appearance...most people would be unable to this, in my opinion. I definitely loved it. ;)