Nynke (2001)

Directed by: Pieter Verhoeff | 110 minutes | drama | Actors: Monic Hendrickx, Jeroen Willems, Peter Tuinman, Rients Gratama, Carine Crutzen, Joke Tjalsma, Porgy Franssen, Marijke Veugelers, Gonny Gaakeer, Astrid Reitsema, Coby Faber, Aus Greidanus Jr., Freark Smink, Hiske van der Linden, Onnojens van der Werf, Maarten Wansink

‘Nynke’ is all about love, as the subtitle ‘a love story’ also indicates. Although there is much more to tell about the life of Nynke van Hichtum, pseudonym for Sjoukje Bokma de Boer, this film is presented from the perspective of love. The classic circle of love is therefore shown in the chronological order of falling in love, engaged, married, and, in this case, divorced. But the film is much more than just a romantic scene. The director shows the history of the beginning of this century and the consequences and limitations of this time for everyone. Love is the common thread, but ‘Nynke’ also deals with many fascinating themes.

The story is set in the early 1900s. This time period is beautifully portrayed with costumes, landscapes and accompanying music. A lot of attention has been paid to details and the fact that part is in Frisian makes the whole even more authentic. The role of Nynke is played by Monic Hendrickx, who puts down a great performance. Nynke lives, feels, struggles and the viewer is fully aware of her personal development. Monic Hendrickx knows how to effortlessly integrate Nynke’s different feelings and character traits – dreamy, ambitious, inferiority, guilt, strength, vulnerability and zest for life – into one person, without losing any of her powers of persuasion.

Nynke falls in love with Pieter Jelles Troelstra, at a time when the world is ruled by men. When Pieter Jelles becomes inspired by Socialism, all that remains for ambitious Nynke is the mother role. A role she accepts with love for her children, but also a role in which she becomes estranged from herself. And the seized Pieter Jelles also seems to distance himself from her. In order to support her great love and to maintain the marriage, Nynke chooses this dependent, unequal position, but she is not at peace with it. And so Nynke becomes isolated.

The film shows the point of view of women today, without being feminist. Nynke looks at the world with beautiful shots from her parental home. A snowy cold surface, which she can only look at, without participating. ‘Nynke’ proves that beautiful films are made in the Netherlands. This platinum film has received no fewer than four nominations for a Golden Calf and won two, namely those for Best Picture and Best Female Lead. ‘Nynke’ is a beautifully compelling and gripping drama. A Dutch masterpiece.