Antonia's line is an amazing film about four generations of strong, independent women. While most movies about single mothers stereotype them in both positive and negative ways, Antonia's Line is different. Antonia moves back to the dutch countryside after being away for twenty years. She has to face many difficulties in the town, yet through it all she is a pillar of strength. She knows what she wants, and she acts upon it, regardless of what people think of her. She passes on these same views to her daughter. Antonia's line seems to critique the normal stereotypes by portraying Antonia as a foil to them. Her honesty, and disregard for public opinion sets her apart. The film also works to intersect Antonia's race, culture, gender and class in an amazing web that shapes her character. The influence of Antonia's race is clear in the way that she acts around the people of the town. She explains to her daughter who each person is, and why they act the way that they do. She knows how to handle even the most obnoxious of the town memebers. She is every bit a women, yet she exhaults in her femininity rather than hiding behind it. She makes her opinions and ideas well known. She is not afraid of the judgement that may accompany her views. She entertains suitors, while maintaining an honest attitude about exactly what she wants. She is able to accept her family for who they are without exception. Antonia's Line is a wonderful story with fully developed characters. Antonia and her family portray the true essence of femininity better than any other characters I have seen. Do not let the subtitles stop you. This film is a must see.

Was this review helpful to you?

Yes

Please Hollywood, hands off this gem Mar 2 2008

By Lt. Zott

Format:DVD

It would be a crime against art and cinema if this beautiful film were ever given the Hollywood treatment. Sometimes, I include this in my prayers at night - seriously.

Being European, this movie proceeds at what seems like the usual gentle pace, but boy, does a lot ever happen! This is a tribute to the screenplay, direction and editing, all superb and deserving of that Oscar. Willeke van Ammelrooy is a goddess, her performance subtle, strong, enrapting.

I also must differ with the Amazon review about the men in the movie. Watching it again confirmed the opposite for me. Just like the female characters, they are flawed, subtle, complex, and very central to all the many individual stories. At times, it's as if the viewer is seeing these stories from the point of view of every character involved - miraculous.

I have but one small criticism, regarding the typical overly precocious, wise-beyond-her-tender-years grand-daughter character - just a bit too cliched & saccharine. The young actress is quite competent, though, as child actors go.

Even after many viewings, from first frame to last, I find this movie delightful, visually and emotionally panoramic, reaffirming - fulfilling.

Was this review helpful to you?

Yes

what is the perfect mother anyways??? May 11 2004

By Susan

Format:DVD

Antonia's Line directed by Marleen Gorris depicts the women characters as strong women who do not care about what might be lacking in their lives. Each of the characters is their own person and no one could make them feel any less. This film helps to illustrate to young women that they can reject the silly myth of motherhood and as long as they are their own person, they do not need to be thinking of themselves as what is wrong with them.

Antonia's Line, directed by Marleen Gorris, does not accept the stereotypes of ideal mother. As we all know, mothers are always maternal, wanting to be pregnant, heterosexual and have the need to take care of their children. Yeah right! Antonia's Line does an excellent job of criticizing this stereotype by depicting different types of mother-daughter pairings. Letta was the only woman that would support this stereotype while the other mothers diverge. For example Antonia played by Willeke van Ammelrooy, criticizes the idea that mothers should be married because she refuses to give Farmer Baas her hand. She also works on the farm. Danielle diverges from the simple fact that she is a lesbian. Therese criticizes the idea that all mothers are naturally maternal and always want to have children.

This film also does not completely objectify women to the same effect that most films end up doing. Antonia and the other women really do not 'appear' for the men in their lives. The characters are strong women and they just worry about the many generations of women in their family. Antonia and the other women due to their strong characters, I feel, do not have the need to see themselves through the eyes of their male viewers. Antonia cares a great deal for the well being of her family that she has no need to fix herself up and she does not need a husband around to make her 'whole.' She finds nothing wrong with the way that she is living her life or the way she looks. Another thing that this film does that helps to not objectify the women characters is that the audience is not clued into every aspect and thought of these characters lives. This makes them their own person and not a mere cinematic object that bases their views on the idea of men.

This film is a great movie in making one aware of such women's issues.

Was this review helpful to you?

Yes

› See all 14 customer reviews on Amazon.ca

Write a customer review

Want to see more reviews on this item?

› Go to Amazon.com to see all 72 reviews

Most recent customer reviews

Feminist Fantasy

European trash are not interesting enough for a two hour movie. The characters are all cliche's of village life. The bad guy is a blond (facist) rapist. Read more

Published on Jun 16 2004 by R. A Rubin

grrrls and cinema review