Kees the Boy (2003)

Directed by: André van Duren | 96 minutes | family | Actors: Ruud Feltkamp, ​​Hannah Cheney, Theo Maassen, Monic Hendrickx, Hans Kesting, Ger van der Grijn, Sebas Berman, Yannick van de Velde, Floris van Bommel, Merel Hulzink, Mits Hommeles

‘Kees de Jongen’ is based on the best-known autobiographical book of the same name by Theo Thijssen. Although the story is tragic, Kees’ dreams give reality the necessary color. Also literally, because as soon as Kees imagines himself in a dream, the image gets just that little bit more shine. The processing of the images therefore contributes in a beautiful way to strengthening the moods and to ensuring that the images fit into the nineteenth century. But to make the Amsterdam of today resemble the Amsterdam of 1895, quite a bit of trickery had to be used. The outdoor shots were filmed as much as possible in the old parts of Amsterdam, but the Eerste Leliedwarsstraat, the street where Kees lived, has been slightly renovated. The Bakels family’s house and shop have been completely recreated in Hilversum. The most phenomenal reconstruction is that of the Paleis voor Volksvlijt on Frederiksplein. This building burned down in 1929, but has been virtually fully restored to its former glory in this film. The collapse of the Westerkerk tower is also frighteningly well portrayed. The fact that you really think you are in earlier times is partly due to the old language use. Moreover, the right-minded strictness prevailing at the time can be felt through the canvas.

One downside of this film is that the acting is a bit too exaggerated here and there. Theo Maassen is just a bit too dorky in his father role, Tjitske Reidinga a bit too weepy in her role of the subtenant Miss Dubois and Hannah Cheney a bit too haughty in her role of kakmadammeke. Those who convince are Monic Hendrickx, Kees’ mother and Ruud Feltkamp, ​​Kees himself. Ruud Feltkamp already played the lead role in the film ‘Kruimeltje’ four years ago. Also great is the role of Hans Kesting, who plays Kees’ teacher and clarifies the storyline and expresses Kees’ thoughts and dreams. And it is mainly those dreams that make this story so moving and recognizable for everyone and so of all times. ‘Kees de Jongen’ is therefore a film for (very) young and (very) old, but perhaps just a little less for the ages in between.