Bontekoe’s cabin boys (2007)

Directed by: Steven de Jong | 135 minutes | action, adventure, family | Actors: Pim Wessels, Billy Zomerdijk, Martijn Hendrickx, Reena Giasi, Peter Tuinman, Sanneke Bos, STeven de Jong, Chris Zegers, Jack Wouterse, Thomas Acda, Cees Geel, Mads Wittermans, Rense Westra, Bas Keijzer, Mike Meijer, Thijs Feenstra Bart Siegers, Colin Banks, Robbert Blokland, Leon Polman

With ‘De Schippers van de Kameleon’ and ‘De Kameleon 2′ as warm-ups, director Steven de Jong can show off with really large ships, including the famous Batavia. Filming was done in exotic locations, such as Australia for the sun and the jungle and Lithuania for the scenes on the ice (there used to be so much ice in the Netherlands in winter!). The cinematography is excellent, because it convinces every moment, despite the undoubtedly more modest budget than a film like ‘Master & Commander’ (Peter Weir, 2003). A great achievement from director Steven de Jong, who has looked closely at his bigger brother(s) and who has turned out quite well by Dutch standards. The computer department provides the finishing touch. In the film country of the Netherlands, it is sometimes a problem that you always see the same headlines, which usually provokes criticism. Okay, new talent should be given the chance, but you also just want the best head for the role and the Netherlands is a small country where more and more films are being made. Be happy! In addition, the range of actors is steadily increasing; So be patient, they’re coming, those new heroes.

There are already three in this film. In general, the well-known actors, such as Peter Tuinman, play a role that is just right for him, a sympathetic Thomas Acda and a convincingly villainous Cees Geel complement nicely. Thanks also to Kemna Casting, who, in addition to the old hands in the profession, came up with young talents for the roles of the cabin boys. The brand new Pim Wessels, Martijn Hendrickx (both already starred in various musicals) and Billy Zomerdijk put on a great performance as the three sworn comrades Hajo, Rolf and Padde. The famous story by Johan Fabricius, about the boys who go after their dream and let nothing or no one stop them, is contagious. With all the trimmings, impressive images, exotic locations, a solid score, rough heads (good grime too!), a clear distinction between good and evil and of course real heroes, we are taken on a wonderful journey around the world.

In terms of storytelling style based on American style, the music, the images, but also really Dutch. The Dutch that we love deep in our hearts. What also works are the themes that quickly surface, friendship, loyalty, belief in yourself and each other. Everything depends on these themes, which makes the story clear and unambiguous, believable, without being boring, because there is enough happening! The boys travel all over the world and experience many unusual things, as it should be in an adventure film. Only one moment of weakness, when they arrive at an island and are watched from the bushes by a sort of Miss Sumatra, who is supposed to represent an authentic native. Furthermore, ‘De Scheepsjongens van Bontekoe’ is a pleasure from start to finish of a traditional Dutch adventure, which more or less really took place in one of the most important and exciting periods in Dutch history. ‘De Scheepsjongens van Bontekoe’ not only shows the Netherlands at its best, but also Dutch cinema and gives you the feeling that you can be proud of both. Howdy!