I saw this movie for a second time on TV and it still hasn't lost its basic intensity. The contents have been extensively reviewed in other contributions to this site. Although it may appear exaggerated to someone who is not familiar with local traditions, I can assure you that these things did ( and probably still do in some cases) happen during the so-called initiation of students here in Belgium. Although this freshmen's ritual should be one of student-like inoffensive fun, it is often accompanied by a lurking form of menace as so many of us have experienced.It is not the initiation as such that forms a real problem but the attitude of those students who are in charge. One can never really know what goes on in others and this apprehension towards human conduct in general is the main theme on which the movie is based.All-round good acting performances and with Erik Van Looy directing,one of the most competent directors this country has to offer, little could have gone wrong.
