Character

Winner of this year's Oscar for Best Foreign Film, this very Dickensian story involves a protracted power struggle between a powerful, heartless "bailiff" (according to the subtitles--this is apparently a different job description in the Netherlands than in the U.S., where bailiffs mostly clear courtrooms for ticked-off judges) and his illegitimate son. Is Dad, who repeatedly uses his vast influence to wreak havoc with his offspring's burgeoning law career, the total bastard that he appears to be? Or do his Machiavellian machinations hint at more complex emotions? Gee, the first choice doesn't sound too interesting, does it? The entire lengthy film builds rather mechanically to a single-word revelation of either ineffable beauty (Oscar voters) or banal schmaltzitude (yours truly). Keep in mind, though, that I don't respond to this kind of familial heart-tugging the way that most do; if you felt weepy during last year's Oscar-winner, Kolya, odds are there's another lump in your throat's future. Fine acting, elegant camerawork, and remarkable production design help make the shaggy-dog aspect of the film's emotional arc more tolerable. Strong optional. (M. D'Angelo)