Das Schloß in Flandern: A Ghost Story or Just a Dream?

Is it worth the watch?

If you like movies that feel like a faded photograph found in an attic, you’ll probably get a kick out of Das Schloß in Flandern. It isn’t for the folks who need explosions or a fast-moving plot to stay awake. If you hate slow-burn sentimentality or movies where people just stare at walls while thinking about the past, skip it.

The whole thing starts with this weirdly specific obsession. A group of soldiers, tired and cold in the trenches of WWI, basically worship a record of Gloria Delamare. It’s the kind of detail that feels oddly relatable, even if it’s from another century. Who hasn't clung to a song to keep from losing it entirely?

One soldier writes a letter that he never sends. It sits there, gathering dust like a forgotten promise. When the war ends and the singer finally shows up at the castle, the movie shifts gears into something a little spookier. The way the castle is lit at night? It’s not quite a horror film, but it definitely feels like the air is too thin.

The encounter between the singer and her fan—who might be dead, might be a ghost, or might just be a tragic accident—is the centerpiece. It’s quiet. Maybe a bit too quiet. There’s a scene where they dance, and the silence in the room feels heavier than any dialogue they could have shared. You can tell the director wanted you to feel that chill.

Is it perfect? Not by a long shot. The pacing drags in the middle, and I found myself wondering if they were just killing time to get to the ending. It’s a bit like watching His Golden Romance if you stripped out all the bright colors and replaced them with gray fog.

Random Notes:

• The sound of the needle hitting the record at the start is hauntingly crisp.
• The castle looks drafty. I felt like I needed a sweater just watching it.
• I’m still not sure if the soldier was a ghost or just a guy who never moved on. The movie doesn't really care to explain, and honestly, I kind of like that.
• Some of the supporting cast are clearly just there to fill space, standing around like props.

It’s not a masterpiece, but it’s a mood. It feels a bit like those old stories about spirits stuck in the architecture. If you’ve got a rainy afternoon and a cup of lukewarm tea, it fits the vibe. Just don't expect it to make perfect sense by the time the credits roll. Sometimes the best parts of a movie are the ones that leave you with a headache and a few questions you can't answer. 🕯️