Crusade in Jeans (2006)

Directed by: Ben Sombogaart | 124 minutes | war, adventure, family, fantasy | Actors: Michael Culkin, Alexander De’Ath, Jan Decleir, Joe Flynn, Benno Fürmann, Oliver Hoare, Amy Jenkins, Jake Kedge, Udo Kier, Ulli Kilnalzik, Herbert Knaup, Stephanie Leonidas, Ryan Nelson, Wesley Nelson, Chris Roebuck, Robert Timmins, Janieck van de Polder, Emily Watson

The children’s book ‘Cruise in Spijkerbroek’ by writer Thea Beckman was first published in 1974. The children’s book has since received a number of important awards. In addition to the Gouden Griffel, the now deceased writer has also won the European prize for best historical children’s book for this book. ‘Cruise in Jeans’ has become a true classic that is still read by children. The book is even used as teaching material in schools. ‘Cruise in Spijkerbroek’ tells about the fifteen-year-old boy Dolf who accidentally ends up in the Middle Ages via a time travel machine. There he travels with the children’s crusades led by King Nicholas and priest Anselmus. By traveling with the large group of children, he hopes to find a way back home.

The film adaptation of Thea Beckman’s ‘Cruise in Jeans’ is the seventh feature film by director Ben Sombogaart. In 2004 the director had a huge success with the Oscar nominated film ‘The Twins’. After that film, he devoted himself completely to this new project. Filming ‘Cruise in Jeans’ was already discussed in 1998, but then the thought was that it would not work. In 2006 Sombogaart succeeded after all. The script was first translated into a two-hour film by an American screenwriter. After some changes by two Belgian screenwriters, this film emerged. Because the film would be too big and expensive for the Netherlands, it became a Dutch, Belgian and English production, which was shot in several countries in Europe.

Only English is spoken in the film, but there will also be a Dutch spoken version in the cinema. Under the name ‘Crusade in Jeans’ this film will have an international release. In small supporting roles we see the Belgian actor Jan Decleir and the Dutch Jack Wouterse. Dolf’s mother is played by Emily Watson (“Red Dragon”). Her role has become bigger than in the book.

The nice thing about the story is the contrast between the present and the Middle Ages. When a boy threatens to drown, Dolf rescues him from the water. Once on land, he resuscitates him. While Dolf sees this as a normal act, the other children consider this a miracle. In this way, even more situations emerge that are now normal for Dolf, but cannot be understood before that time.

Dolf ends up in the Middle Ages with his football shirt from the Dutch national team and a vest from Nike. Dolf even has his iPod, mobile phone and watch with him. When he shows his music to his girlfriend Jenne, she is shocked to hear the hard rock music. This produces some funny scenes that clearly show the differences between past and present.

During his journey with the children to Jerusalem, Dolf is confronted with death, famine, religious madness and love. All interesting themes that Sombogaart elaborates well.

The result is a fun, well-made film that portrays the Middle Ages from a children’s point of view. ‘Cruise in Jeans’ certainly deserves an international release. The actors all play well and make a positive contribution to the film. Leading character Dolf is played by Joe Flynn, a British actor who knows how to carry the film well. Director Ben Sombogaart has delivered a film that will appeal to a wide audience, both young and old will enjoy this family film.