The Misfortunates

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Thomas S This movie hit me like a punch to the gut. The last time I watched it, I was 22 and couldn’t fully grasp all the themes it explores. Now, at 32, I appreciate it even more—like a fine beer that gets better with age. I read the book just before watching the film, and it's rare for a movie to delve deeper than its source material. The book has a sharper sense of humor, but it offers less insight into the father-son relationship and Gunther’s journey from his social class to becoming a writer. On the flip side, lengthy book chapters—like the one about the Tour de France—are brilliantly condensed into just a few minutes on screen. Some brilliant scenes, like the one when the mother keeps repeating like a mantra that babies choose their parents not the other way around, are absent from the book. A home run. One thing I missed in the book’s translation was the rich Flemish dialect, which the film preserves beautifully. That alone makes it a treat to watch. Rated 4.5/5 Stars •  Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 02/10/25 Full Review matthias s *De Helaasheid der Dingen* is a powerful, beautifully crafted film that has stayed with me ever since I saw it in theaters. Its raw storytelling and flawless writing dive deeply into themes of life, growing up, and family dysfunction, creating an experience that feels both painfully real and darkly humorous. The film's ability to balance comedy and drama is exceptional, making each moment unpredictable yet relatable. The music perfectly complements the tone, adding emotional depth and making every scene hit harder. The cinematography is stunning, capturing gritty and familiar landscapes with an artistic touch that transforms them into something both haunting and beautiful. The actors’ performances are excellent, especially in conveying the sense of hopelessness and resilience that define the story. Watching familiar places from my hometown on screen adds a unique, personal connection. This film remains impactful and, to me, beautiful in every way—a true gem. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 10/29/24 Full Review Audience Member Ülkemizde "Çölde Kutup Ayısı" diye gösterime giren filmin en güçlü yanı, 1980'lerin Belçika kırsalındaki Gunther'in şanssız, bol alkollü, tutunamayanların ortamında şekillenişi. Dram ile komedi dengesi güzel. Ayrıca büyümeyi reddeden Strobbe ailesine karşı bir büyümenin, oğulken baba olmanın hikayesi. Roy Orbison konseri sahnesi de akılda kalıcı... Ama film bir yerden sonra tekrara düşüyor ve yavanlaşıyor. Rated 3.5/5 Stars •  Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 01/23/23 Full Review Audience Member Inconsistent- All uncannily obnoxious for almost 3/4 of the whole film until that enlightenment thing suddenly popped out of nowhere. It is, nevertheless, better than watching a coming-of-age story being delivered by the exact same approach/tone one after another, again & again. Rated 2/5 Stars •  Rated 2 out of 5 stars 02/04/23 Full Review Audience Member Film is ok. Book is genius. Rated 3/5 Stars •  Rated 3 out of 5 stars 01/19/23 Full Review Audience Member One of the few movies that gripped me from the very first minute.The beauty of this movie is that you fall in love with it no matter how indifferent the characters ,the story or the circumstances appear to be. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 01/30/23 Full Review Read all reviews

The Misfortunates

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