Most Successful Films of the Netherlands

 

The Netherlands, a country known for its picturesque landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and progressive society, has also made a notable mark in the world of cinema. Dutch Cinema while not as widely recognized as Hollywood blockbusters or French New Wave cinema, has a unique and intriguing history that reflects the nation's cultural diversity and artistic creativity. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive introduction to Dutch cinema, shedding light on its evolution, key figures, and Notable Dutch films that have contributed to the global cinematic landscape.
 

• Historical Background of Dutch Films

 

Dutch cinema, like many European film industries, had its beginnings in the early 20th century. The first Dutch feature film, The Misadventure of a French Gentleman Without Pants at the Zandvoort Beach (1905),marked the country's entry into the world of moving pictures. However, it wasn't until the 1910s and 1920s that Dutch cinema began to flourish with the production of silent films, often adapted from literary works.

During the silent era, Joris Ivens, one of the pioneers of Dutch documentary filmmakers, made significant contributions to the art form. His work, such as Rain (1929) and The Bridge (1928), captured the Dutch landscape and people in a visually stunning and poetic manner, influencing subsequent generations of Dutch filmmakers.

 

• The Golden Age of Dutch Cinema

 

The Dutch film industry faced challenges during the 1940s due to World War II. However, the post-war period saw the emergence of what is often referred to as the Golden Age of Dutch Cinema. This era gave rise to talented Dutch filmmakers like Bert Haanstra, Fons Rademakers, and Paul Verhoeven, who would go on to make significant contributions to Dutch cinema and gain international recognition.
Fons Rademakers, for instance, won an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film with "The Assault" (1986), a powerful drama based on a novel by Harry Mulisch. This film not only brought Dutch cinema into the global spotlight but also highlighted its capacity to address complex, universal themes.

Now we will discuss the Highest Grossing Dutch Films of all times

Godforshaken: Directed by Pieter Kuijpers. The story is about two small-town Dutch boys have such a close socially unnatural friendship that they care nothing for human or divine rules and lose all grip on reality, sliding into violent crime.

Black Book: Directed by Paul Verhoeven. The story is about In the Nazi-occupied Netherlands during World War II, a Jewish singer infiltrates the regional Gestapo headquarters for the Dutch resistance.

All Stars: Directed by Jean van de Velde in 1997. The story is about leading up to their 500th match, the late twenty-something members of a Dutch amateur soccer team have their intimate bond put to the test as they each find themselves facing increasing responsibilities off the pitch.

Temmink: The Ultimate Fight: This political Dutch movie directed by Boris Paval Conen in 1998. The story is about sometime in the near future the main character, the sociopathic Temmink, beats a passerby to death and ends up in the so-called "Arena" - a modern version of the ancient Roman Colosseum. 

Soldier of Orange: Soldier of Orange is a 1977 Dutch romantic war thriller film directed and co-written by Paul Verhoeven. Based on Erik Hazelhoff Roelfzema's autobiographical book of the same name. Starring Rutger Hauer and Jeroen Krabbé, the film is set around the German occupation of the Netherlands during World War II, and shows how individual students have different roles in the war.

Saint: Sint (Released on DVD as Saint in Europe and Saint Nick in the United States) is a 2010 Dutch dark comedy horror film directed by Dick Maas about Sinterklaas, the character on which the Anglo-Saxon Santa Claus is based.

Flodder: Flodder is a 1986 Dutch comedy film written and directed by Dick Maas, and distributed by First Floor Features. It is the first film in the Flodder franchise and is followed by two more films and a spin-off series. The film follows an anti-social, dysfunctional family who move to an affluent, upper-class neighbourhood as part of a social experiment which results in mayhem as the Flodder family refuses to adapt.

New Kids Turbo: New Kids Turbo, sometimes promoted as New Kids: Turbo!, is a Dutch black comedy filmbased on the television series New Kids directed by Steffen Haars. The film premiered on 6 December 2010 and was released in all Dutch cinemas on 9 December. It was one of the most popular Dutch films of all time. It is Comedy Central's first film to be produced outside the United States.

Twin Sister: Twin Sisters is a 2002 Dutch film, directed by Ben Sombogaart, based on the novel The Twins by Tessa de Loo, with a screenplay by Dutch actress and writer Marieke van der Pol.

The Lift: The Lift is a 1983 Dutch science fiction horror film written and directed by Dick Maas. The plot concerns on an elevator that mysteriously begins to function intelligently on its own, where victims who go near the elevator or use it are killed.

Leak: It is a 2000 Dutch thriller film written and directed by Jean van de Velde. The film was based on the book Sans Racune by ex-police officer Jan van Daalen and on a real-life Dutch police scandal from 1994.

Riphagen: Riphagen: The Untouchable is a 2016 Dutch drama film directed by Pieter Kuijpers about Dries Riphagen, a Dutch criminal who collaborated with Nazi Germany.

The Memory Of A Killer: Directed by Erik Van Looy. The story is about Vincke and Verstuyft are the best detectives of the Antwerp police department. They are confronted with the murder on a leading executive and put all their effort to catch the murderer.
 

Dutch cinema may not enjoy the same level of global recognition as some other film industries, but it has a rich and diverse history filled with unique stories and artistic expression. From its early silent films to its recent exploration of various genres, Dutch cinema has produced some exceptional works that have resonated with audiences worldwide. As the Netherlands continues to produce thought-provoking and visually stunning Dutch films, it is essential to keep an eye on this dynamic and evolving Dutch film industry. So, the next time you're searching for a cinematic experience that offers something different, consider diving into the world of Dutch cinema. You're bound to discover a treasure trove of storytelling that will captivate your imagination and leave a lasting impression.