King of Katoren (2012)

Directed by: Ben Sombogaart | 120 minutes | adventure, family | Actors: Mingus Dagelet, Abbey Hoes, Hans Leendertse, Catherine ten Bruggencate, Beppe Costa, Glenn Durfort, Frits Lambrechts, Hugo Koolschijn, Sabri Saad El-Hamus, Gerardjan Rijnders, Ad Fernhout, Peter Post

When the king of Katoren dies, a boy is born that same night. Stach grows up with his uncle Gervaas. In the seventeen years after the king’s death, the ministers have taken over and Kator is slowly falling into disrepair. Stach decides to become king at the age of seventeen. He finds out that more people wanted to, but they all mysteriously disappeared. The ministers, unwilling to give up their power, promise Stach the kingship if he completes five missions. In good spirits, Stach travels across the country to complete the assignments. He is followed by journalist Kim, who writes about him.

Dutch (youth) literature has been a source for book adaptations for years. ‘King of Katoren’ also fits in this list. The book, known to many people, was written by Jan Terlouw, who also wrote ‘War Winter’ and ‘Briefgeheim’. Terlouw is known for addressing social problems in his books. This is also reflected in ‘King of Katoren’. Environmental pollution in the killing of the dragon in Smook, the connection of religion in the moving churches in Uikemene and abuse of power by the ministers in Katoren. Even though the story is over forty years old, it doesn’t feel dated. Sombogaart and the screenwriters have incorporated enough modern techniques into the story. Because in Katoren there is also internet, mobile telephony and GPS. The latter in particular is comically incorporated into the story of the moving churches.

Stach is played by the rather unknown Mingus Dagelet. His surname does ring a bell, of course, because the young actor is the son of Hans Dagelet and younger brother of Tatum and Charlie Chan Dagelet. Talent and charisma apparently runs in the family, as the handsome Mingus plays Stach with an irresistible charm. Stach’s love interest is played by Abbey Hoes, with whom he already starred in the Carry Slee film adaptation ‘Razend’. In the supporting roles, Catherine ten Bruggencate and Frits Lambrechts stand out, who impress with their short playing time.

In the book, Stach has to fulfill seven assignments, which has been reduced to five in the film. Still, perhaps one could have fallen off, because the long playing time of ‘King of Katoren’ is palpable. As a result, young viewers demand a lot from their ability to concentrate. The film also collapses a bit in the middle because the momentum of the film is taken away. At those moments, the makers pay too much attention to the love between Stach and Kim, which feels too forced. It is precisely the exciting assignments that make the film.

‘King of Katoren’ was largely shot in Italy, which only enhances the look of the film. Katoren seems like such a versatile country and it gives the film an international touch. ‘King of Katoren’ is an adventurous youth film with a charismatic protagonist. A classic story that has withstood the test of time thanks to modern adaptations.