Let’s be honest. Dutch films are not for everyone. Not everyone can tolerate the fact that Dutch films are occasionally very vulgar or blunt. However, you should also realize that they can also be very sensitive and touching at the same time. Another reason why some people don’t like Dutch movies is because of the somewhat harsh Dutch language. Perhaps this is one of the reasons why Dutch cinema has never really done well abroad.
Dutch Movies & TV
However, it is immensely popular within its own national borders. 2011 was one of the years when most Dutch people went to the cinema to see their own national films. Recent success films are, for example, ‘New Kids On the Block’ and ‘Gooische Vrouwen’. They are both typical Dutch culture films that are probably not very interesting for foreigners because they rely heavily on a Dutch sense of humor. However, it is a great way to get to know Dutch culture.
The Dutch film industry remains quite small with an average of about 20 films a year. Outside the Dutch borders, these films have not won many awards. Only three Dutch films have been awarded an Academy Award. I’m talking, of course, about the prestigious Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film. The three films that have had the honor of receiving the award are ‘The Assault (1986), Character (1997) and Antonia (1995). I think there are more films that should have received international recognition.
Watch the best Dutch movies to learn Dutch
Internationally, there are some actresses, actors and filmmakers who have amassed a fair amount of fame. Perhaps the most famous is the Dutch film director Paul Verhoeven. We’ve seen his cinematic talent in Hollywood blockbusters like “Starship Troopers” and the cult classic “Basic Instinct.” The most famous actors are undoubtedly Jeroen Krabbe and Rutger Hauer, both of whom have often played in major American productions. A Dutch actress to look forward to is the young and talented Carice van Houten. On Dutch soil she plays in almost every major film that is released, but she also had some success internationally. Notably in the American movie ‘Valkyrie’ with Tom Cruise about a failed assassination of Hitler. She can now also be admired in the hugely popular HBO TV series ‘ Game of Thrones’. The first episodes of the second season will air next month. Her character plays a pretty significant role in the books the series is based on, so we can probably expect a lot from her!
The very best films from the Netherlands. The best Dutch movies. Also the best movies and TV series by country. From Sweden to Italy. In short, the best of European cinema at European Films & Series.
