¨Left Luggage¨ is an interesting drama about human relationships , humanism but also tragedy . While getting away from Germans during the WWII, a Jewish man named Mr. SilberSchmidt (Maximilian Schell)- married an understanding woman (Mariane Sagebrecht)- dug baggage full of precious objects dear to his heart in the soil. The war deprived him of his parents and brothers, and nowadays , Amberes 1972, he endlessly seeks underground to encounter the luggage. His daughter named Chaya (Laura Frazer) is a likable young girl opposed to the observant Jewish and she is seeking a part-time job. Thanks Yakov (Chaim Topol) she encounters a job as a nanny in the strictly observant Chassidic family formed by a rigid father (Jeroen Krabbe) and a mother (Isabella Rossellini) with five children . One of the reasons Chaya is accepted is that mother of the family is absolutely overburdened by the homework, so she stays in spite of the family head's wrath. She establishes a special relationship to the four-year old Simcha, so far incapable of speaking. Chaya teaches him while walking in the park, and Simcha suddenly imitates the duck's sounds and after he will be able to chant parts of the Haggadah. In the building the Jewish family and Chaya are continuously harassed by the porter (David Bradley).This thought-provoking film deals with human feelings , love , compassion , sufferings, anti-semitism, familiar environments and many other things . Extraordinary casting who gives very good performances , as Laura Frazer as the young who develops a special bond with the youngest of the boys, Maximilian Schell as obsessed old man who looks for checking old maps and keeps digging, attempting to encounter his ancient suitcases, David Bailey as nasty pathetic anti-Semite caretaker , a repulsive porter who puts constant difficulties to Chassidic family and also for Chaya ; and of course Isabella Rossellini as understanding mother with some secular manners who faces his strict husband . This marvelous and warm film is stunningly directed by Jeroen Krabbe . Jeroen is a prestigious Dutch actor who has only directed two films with quite success and dramatics , this one and ¨The discovery of heaven¨ , both of then he also acted . Rating : Better than average. Worthwhile watching

A moving and poignant film which raises many important issues. A Holocaust theme, but ultimately a story of all our lives. Some strong but subtle symbolism. The acting is for the most part excellent (great to see Chaim Topol again. Older, but still Tevye). Isabella Rosselini is a very credible Chassid wife and mother. The locations are beautifully shot, and the score (when I could hear it)was appropriate. That's the big issue though - why was the sound in this film so uneven, and often inaudible?? Frequently, had the TV at volume levels somewhere in the "red zone". I don't think it was the DVD - it actually seemed as if it was shot this way. Made me wish that there were English subtitles. Was it just me??

This is a fine example of an excellent Dutch/Belgian co-production which can easily compete with any international successful drama-film. Jeroen Krabbé did a superb job with his directional debut. He himself, as an actor, doesn't have much screen time and gave Isabella Rossellini and especially Laura Fraser the opportunity to really shine in this movie.Laura Fraser plays Chaya, a progressive philosophy student of Jewish origin who lives on her own. She regularly visits her parents but doesn't have a lot in common with them anymore. She takes on a job as a nanny for a very conservative Chassidic family. From the start there are many conflicts, especially with the rigorous father (Jeroen Krabbé), but soon the youngest son, the silent Chimsa, wins her love. All this takes place in Antwerp during the 70's, and in the meantime, a subplot involving Chaya's father's search for two suitcases (lost during the war) develops.It simply is a beautiful story, about a lot of things in fact. The clash between tradition and progression. The questioning of Jewish values. Trying to come to terms with the past (the war, the lost luggage,...). Family tragedies. Those different aspects of the plot blend with each other perfectly. The movie takes its time to tell the story, but it's never too slow.Laura Fraser gives a wonderful performance. She's so enjoyable when she shows she's got spirit, dares to question harsh authority and tries to do what's right for everyone. Did I mention she's beautiful too? And, as opposed to some other viewers, I think the nude swimming-scene was very appropriate as it illustrates the protagonist's progressive state of mind. It's not gratuitous, it's not provoking. It's natural.Jeroen Krabbé's directing is pretty magnificent. Though it's 'just' a drama-movie, there are a few amazing shots to admire: One tracking shot which starts at a window on the top floor of the building, going down several floors and showing our protagonist leaving the building at ground zero. A nice scene at the docks. Beautiful sepia-colored shots in the prologue. An impressive crane-shot at the end.But there are a few minor aspects too. I thought the pathos was a bit too heavy in the slow-motion shot of little Simcha running with the ducks. And the fact that nobody acted against the harassing concierge bugged me a bit too. And Chaya climbing out of the building in order to leave the building was perhaps a bit far-fetched too.But it is one fine movie with a touching story and honest acting performances (though, I think comparing it to Spielberg's SCHINDLER'S LIST is totally misplaced and giving it a little too much credit). But it did encourage me to see more movies starring Laura Fraser and wanting to see Krabbé's THE DISCOVERY OF HEAVEN (which was based on a Harry Mulisch novel).

Chassidim wear dark clothing and follow strict religious rules. Therefore, many people tend to think of them as dour, repressive, and joyless. Nothing could be further from the truth. Actually, Chassidism stresses joy, music, and a passion for life. All of this is absent from the movie.It is a shame that the people making this movie had no actual knowledge of Chassidic society. Or -- if they did -- that they chose to ignore it. They shamelessly play to the negative stereotypes, presenting a psychologically abusive father in a repressive society. Oh -- the movie is well done and well acted, but it is so distorted in its portrayal of Chassidic subculture that it comes out to be offensive.