A rising young lawyer runs afoul of the police when he becomes the prime suspect in the murder of the city’s most feared bailiff. Based on a popular 1938 Dutch novel, this Oscar-winning film follows the lawyer’s story as he explains his past, his mysterious relationship to the bailiff, and his protestation of innocence.
Buy Character Blu-rayThe film opens with the murder of the bailiff, a powerful local figure named Dreverhaven (Jan Decleir) who controlled all manner of shady business until his untimely demise. When the police discover that the last person to see him alive was the young lawyer Katadreuffe (Fedja van Huet), they arrest him and listen to his backstory, with the majority of the film recounting that tale. Here we learn of Katadreuffe’s childhood in poverty with a single mother, his determination to pull himself up by his own bootstraps by becoming a lawyer, and the strange involvement of Dreverhaven in his ongoing efforts, both as an opposing and supporting force. With his future in jeopardy, his spellbinding confession races to a thrilling conclusion definitively solving Dreverhaven’s death.
The casting is pitch perfect both for the characteristics of the actors and their physical stature. Decleir is a looming hulk of a man, as physically imposing as his character’s unsavory reputation as the unethical local power broker. Van Huet is comparatively small and handsome, easily believable as a virtuous youth determined to succeed within the system by his buttoned-down work ethic. It’s a delight to watch the interplay between these two opposing forces of nature, even when their interactions are from afar, glowering across crowded spaces. Director Mike van Diem marshalls the considerable talents of his principal actors in this fascinating story, wasting no shots in a brisk two hours that feels shorter.
The Blu-ray presents the film in its original 1.66:1 aspect ratio, with 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio sound. Thanks to its impressive original cinematography, the image quality is stunning on Blu-ray, with masterfully lit scenes enhancing the superb framing. It’s far better looking than one would expect of typical art house fare, making the crisp Blu-ray presentation essential to fully appreciate this artfully staged production. Sound is clear and unmarred by any technical flaws, providing an adequately rich soundstage for what is primarily a chamber drama punctuated by occasional exterior scenes. No bonus features are included.
Upon watching the film, it’s immediately obvious why it won the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film. It’s a great story told exceptionally well, anchored by winning star turns by van Huet and Decleir and elevated by Hollywood-level production design. If it was released in the current Oscar climate receptive to the idea that international films are worthy of Best Picture consideration, it undoubtedly would have been nominated for the top prize, but regardless of its industry accolades, it’s a timeless classic still fully relevant and powerful today. Do yourself a favor and check this one out.
