If this is the direction of Dutch movies, then there is hope. Sweet Dreams (Zoete Dromen) is a very well made movie with good acting, directing, script, cinematography and music. Just everything. Compliments for Ena Sendijaric and her cast and crew.
This is a colonial dramady about the Dutch East Indies at the beginning of the 20th century. Famous books like Stille Kracht en Max Havelaar and the recent movie The East (de Oost) have the same topic. It is good and necessary to know that this colonial period has to be considered as a black page in Dutch history. Sweet Dreams depicts the horrible situation in a original way, from female perspective and with black humor. From start to end this feels painful, embarrassing and cruel.
We have to giggle a little bit about the Dutch landlady Agathe, her son Cornelis and daughter in law Lisa. They make themselves totally ridicoulos in a dangerous way. The situation of the servant Siti and the local people is sad and hopeless. Especially for Siti. She is torn between her bastard son from the landlord and her own people that reject her and laugh at her. This situation is hopeless for everybody and can only end desastrously.
Renee Soutendijk truly deserved her award at the Lucarno film festival. Her carreer spans 45 years now. But also Hayati Azis, Lisa Zweerman, Muhammad Khan, Florian Myjer and Peter Faber are really convincing in this movie. Sweet Dreams isn't a puddle but a deep swamp.
