Rating: 
Summary: Dutch Treat!......
Review: This review refers to the Fox Lorber World Class Cinema Collection(letterboxed)DVD edition of "Antonia's Line"...."Enough is Enough..."...says an old woman rising from her bed as she prepares for her last day on earth. Today will be the day she will die, we find out as the film opens. As Antonia goes about her chores and gathers her family around her, we are treated to a wonderful life affirming tale, and look back at her rich and full life. This 1995 Academy Award winner for Best Foreign Film(Netherlands) will charm your socks off.It's a comic, sweet, dramatic and uplifting story that I didn't want to end, and wanted to watch it again immediatley.Written and Directed by Marleen Gorris, you'll be captivated by this story, the characters and the beauty of the Dutch countryside from the opening frame to the very last. Antonia's(Willeke van Ammelrooy)story starts at about mid-life. She is returning with her daughter, to her small village for the funeral of her mother.The time is just post WWII and Antonia is a widow who is her own woman. She is on her own,with an independent nature and lots of heart.As the years pass, Antonia's line of charming and fascinating family members grow from her own bloodline and the townspeople that just couldn't help but be drawn to her.Each is special in their own way and is very much a part of Antonia's life.They are characters that will have smiling and will draw you into their stories. This Letterboxed DVD presents a fabulous picture and excellent sound(Stereo surround). The subtitles are all in the black bar area(which is at the bottom of the picture only)and are clear and distinct. There are filmographies, some production credits and a trailer.
There are two editions sold, if you want the letterboxed be sure to look for one that has the "World Class Cinema" written next to the image on the front. A wonderful film that shines the light on family and friendship, but not one for the whole family. There are several scenes with strong sexual content. Go Dutch Treat....and enjoy.....Laurie
Rating: 
Summary: A woman's picture that we guys can also enjoy
Review: Well, there aren't really much of any men one would want to identify with. Maybe Farmer Baz, he's okay. Anyway, yes, I think this can be considered more of a woman's picture. Certainly the strongest characters in it are Antonia and her descendents. Whatever, this is enjoyable. It is a rather quirky film with lots of odd characters. And it does switch back and forth between comedy and suddenly serious things like rape, murder, suicide. But it's done so skillfully, that it sweeps a person along with it. At least, that's my experience with this film. The plot didn't sound real exciting, about a woman and her grown daughter returning to a Dutch village to take over a farm. But the characters and the various incidents keep the viewer interested as a theme develops, the strength of an indomitable woman which is passed down the line to daughter, granddaughter, and great granddaughter. This is definitely a film for today's woman but has plenty for us guys to learn also.
Rating: 
Summary: DVD Version
Review: Whilst the film itself is great, its let down by the quality of this DVD release. Its not anamorphic, and even for non-anamorphic the transfer is only fair. Ontop the this, the subtitles are built-in to the image, it doesnt use the DVD's built in subtitles feature. I was a bit disapointed compared to the fantastic job that was done releasing Babettes Feast on DVD.
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