Speaking Netherlands (2018)

Directed by: John Appel | 82 minutes | documentary

Seen strictly speaking, ‘Sprekend Nederland’ is not a complicated film. The documentary by John Appel (‘She believes in me’) follows our speaking fellow human beings and the accompanying listening audience. Appel found his inspiration in the speeches that are given during the handing out of integration diplomas. The mixture of obviousness and awkwardness was such a source of emotion that he set out to explore how things like this work in the rest of the country. Giving a speech is often a candid and vulnerable event. And if the receiving party wants to receive the message as it is intended, it will have to show the same candor and vulnerability. It is the basis of communication. So far nothing new under the sun.

However, because ‘Sprekend Nederland’ juxtaposes different types of lectures, an interesting substantive picture is created that goes much further than the above notion of one-sided communication. The documentary starts with a manifestation of the freedom movement Elke1. The idea behind the action group: there must be an end to polarization because everyone is simply equal. A noble idea, which is supported by director Appel. But that does not mean that there is no room for dissenters. Appel maneuvers from the aforementioned integration speeches to demonstrations by the right-wing protest club Pegida and an election campaign by Geert Wilders. ‘Sprekend Nederland’, however, represents more colors than just black and white.

Above all, the documentary is an image of the time of the kaleidoscopic Netherlands. Because it is colorful. From the fiftieth birthday party of King Willem Alexander, together with compatriots who were born on the same day, to the celebration of football club Feyenoord. And from a demonstration against gay-related violence to a consultation evening about refugees. The common denominator? Everything can and may be said. Freedom of expression as the greatest asset. A message that is rock solid.

Thanks to the smooth editing, fluid camera work and close-ups drenched in emotion, ‘Sprekend Nederland’ manages to keep the attention all the time. Considering the apparently abstract subject, no small achievement. It is worth noting that the documentary does not use a voice-over. It is up to the viewer to form an opinion about the state of our country. It is certain that the Netherlands is a peculiar country in all, but in all its diversity it is a country to be proud of.