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6.6/10
Senior Film Conservator
A definitive 6.6/10 rating for a film that redefined the boundaries of cult cinema. Merijntje Gijzen's Jeugd remains a cornerstone of transgressive art.
If you have a soft spot for black-and-white dramas about rural life, sure, give it a go. It’s quiet, a little bit sad, and definitely not trying to rush anywhere. But if you need a fast pace or modern editing, you will probably be checking your watch by the twenty-minute mark.
It’s not quite as lively as Huntingtower, but it has this weird, heavy atmosphere that sticks to you. The village setting feels authentic in a way that makes you smell the damp earth.
Merijntje and De Kruik are the whole reason to watch. There’s something about the way they just exist together—fishing, hunting, not saying much—that feels real. It’s a classic story of the kid who doesn't fit in finding the adult who also doesn't fit in.
The villagers treat De Kruik like he’s a disease. It’s frustrating to watch, which I guess is the point. You can feel the tension in the room whenever they walk into a scene.
When the violence happens, it feels almost too sudden. One minute they are out in the fields, and the next, everything changes. The transition from 'coming-of-age story' to 'lonely tragedy' is handled pretty abruptly. It doesn't give you much time to breathe.
I found myself staring at the background details more than I probably should have. The way the light hits the trees in those outdoor shots is actually pretty nice for a film this old. 🌲
It’s definitely an imperfect movie. Some of the acting feels a bit stagey, like they’re projecting to the back row of a theater. And the pacing? Well, it’s not exactly breaking any records.
Still, there’s a sincerity here that you don't get much anymore. It reminds me a bit of the mood in The Extra Girl, just in a completely different, much grittier context. It’s worth a look if you want something that feels lived-in and honest.