De nieuwe wereld (2013) User Reviews

Does not excel, does not suck.

[punishmentpark · 6/10 · 24 August 2015]

A "Telefilm", which is part of a long running series of TV-movies for Dutch television. I've seen quite a few of them, but they mostly disappoint, even if the majority of them is certainly watchable. The same goes for this one.

Things start out slowly, with some beautiful shots, but things start to drag out pretty soon - too subdued for my taste. There are a few scenes that dó succeed in gaining my sympathy, such as the 'cleaning the window and mirroring the movements' (with some nice African music - the rest of the soundtrack was of the overly in-your-face kind of sad). The story also becomes more satisfactory as it evolves after the somewhat dull beginning. It's a shame that the given of the 'telephone favours' wasn't more integrated into the story, though.

Bianca Krijgsman and Isaka Sadowogo do a fine to excellent job. So, all in all, a good 6 out of 10.

a subtle and poetic movie that stays in your mind

[to-nikijanssen · 10/10 · 30 March 2013]

This movie approaches a very political theme in a poetic and subtle way. It doesn't scream out loud what stance the director takes in the debate about asylum seekers. As with all movies that I've seen from director Jaap van Heusden, some images stay in my mind a long time after watching. Even though the political theme is heavy, there is space for some humor. I like it that the relation and attraction between the two persons never becomes too definite, never is consumed so to speak, but nevertheless their bond is made very clear. there are some unforgettable scenes that stay in my mind. Somehow, this again is a movie that makes you think about philosophical questions to crack your brain about. Definitely recommended. I'm looking forward to watch the movie again soon.

The seeking of asylum is a soul experience

[henk-447-233237 · 10/10 · 2 August 2013]

This is a beautiful film and its sad but yet uplifting story of asylum seeking engaged me compellingly from its very first frame, deeply reaching in a series of thoughtfully cut scenes, constantly keeping our attention and involvement inquisitively. Nothing in this film's portrayal is superfluous. The acting is strong and the film is superbly cast and extraordinarily well edited. In 85 minutes a deeply meaningful and humane story unfolds. A revealing insight to the seeking of and longing for compassion and a new life by two human souls, who meet in a suspended no-man's land, in which they come together through the experience of different but also sharing human circumstances.