Customer Reviews

Daens [VHS]

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I am originally from Belgium and wanted, not without some pride, comment on the American release of Daens. Belgium is not a "great" film land, but now and then they produce a modest gem. To the viewer from Columbus, Ohio (if it's not a joke) I must correct you: the movie does not depict life in Berlin, but in 19th century Aalst, Belgium. Big difference. In Belgium the movie was loved, but, for some reason, Belgians are so critical and unappreciative of their own talents, it makes me sick. Stijn Coninx did a terrific job! Some other great films from Belgium are "Toto le Hero" and "Man Bites Dog" (English title).

"Daens" tells the true story of a Catholic priest in late 19th century Flanders. Tiring of his university position he joins his brother, the printer of a Catholic newspaper in Aalst, Belgium, in a battle against the monied "directors" of sweatshop cloth factories, their hired bullies, and the conservative elements of the Catholic Church. Fr. Daens is able to unite the left-wing Socialists and the centrist Liberals to form the first of the populist Christian Democratic Parties. He is elected to the Belgian Parliment and forced from the priesthood. The film is filled with colors. Belgium of 100 years ago is successfully depicted--even if the film crew had to go to Poland to find it. The story, however, is told in black and white. We know very early which side wears the "white hats." In this battle it is more often the low black hat of a parish priest against the red hats of bishops and top hats of industrialists. Pope Leo XIII is left off-stage, something of a mystery. A realisticly depicted rape scene and scenes of police brutality will require a preparatory discussion for pre-teens. The film is otherwise good fare for families and recommended for Catholic Youth discussion groups. English subtitles are supplied throughout as the dialog is in Flemish, French, and Latin. The switching by the industrialists from dignified French at work to folk Flemish at home is one of the many little insights that the American audience will miss. Unfortunately. For those who speak French--and much more for those who speak Flemish--Daens is a delight to the ear. For older Catholics the portions of the Latin Mass will bring back memories. Highly recommended.

I first saw this film in 1997 when I was an exchange student in Belgie. It touched me then as a snapshot of a hardworking ever resilient culture of the Flemish. I tried finding here in the US when I came back but it was still priced at over a hundred dollars. Several years later I'm ecstatic to find the film not only available, but affordable. The Flemmish are an amazing people and this is a film of overcoming struggle.

I just loved the film. The characters are so real, the acting fantastic and the cast was astonishing.

The movie is a true story in which Pastor Daens, an ordained catholic priest, tries to improve the fate of illiterate Flemish speaking workers in a sweat shop (a textile factory) owned by French speaking aristocracy, who uses any means, mostly illegal, to keep things the way they are.The catholic hierarchy sides with the aristocracy since they donate large contibutions. Although workers at that time spoke only their own local Flemish dialect, the actors use standard Dutch pronounciation, thus making it easy to understand by all Dutch speaking people. In the movie, the aristocracy and officials speak French, as was customary at that time.

I watch this film as part of a school assignment at Ohio State University. It is an excellent film depicting life in Berlin in the late 19th century. I was moved by the conditions that the children had to live and work in.