‘Antonia’s Line’ is a Feminist Fairy Tale that Takes on Heavy Topics

TCM will feature films from 12 decades— representing 44 countries—totaling 100 classic and current titles all created by women. Read more about this here! 

Antonia’s Line is a female-focused fairytale from the mid-1990s that transports viewers to a quaint Dutch village where Antonia builds a multi-generational eclectic family. This matriarchal society becomes a conduit to explore deep themes like love, religion, sex, death, and life’s meaning. (NBA: 3.5/5)

Review by FF2 Associate Nicole Ackman

“It’s time to die,” Antonia says to herself in the mirror in the opening scene of the 1995 Dutch film, Antonia’s Line. It opens with Antonia as an old woman shown resigned to her knowing—it is her last day—before it immediately jumps back to trace Antonia’s remarkable life. Written and directed by Marleen Gorris, this feminist “fairytale” traces several generations of women in a small village and explores dark themes ranging from love to motherhood to death. It’s a unique film, and it might take a little while for the viewer to get into its headspace, but once you do, it’s a very enjoyable and thought-provoking watch. 

After the opening, the film flashes back to Antonia’s return to her Dutch hometown following World War II. It’s the sort of village where having lived there for twenty years still marks you as a newcomer, and Antonia and her daughter Danielle’s appearance makes a splash amongst the villagers. Antonia reunites with her childhood best friend, is immediately sought out by a suitor, and quickly begins to take in eccentric outcasts from the village. The story follows her as her found family continues to expand as they meet more people, and babies are born. The story has a sort of ridiculous whimsy to it that lends it much of its charm. 

The film has a large ensemble cast, anchored by Willeke van Ammelrooy as Antonia. Most of the characters are played by one actor through the time changes with a few exceptions, and the performances are solid, if not exceptional. Some characters like Antonia and Danielle have more fully-fledged personalities, but others are very extreme and appear more like characters from a children’s book. For example, Antonia’s childhood friend, “Crooked Finger,” is an academic recluse who hasn’t left his house since the end of the war. Meanwhile, a woman known as the “Mad Madonna,” howls at the moon nightly as “the Protestant,” who loves her—but cannot be with her because of their religious differences—listens on. 

In addition to the over-the-top characters, the stylization of the film lends it a fairytale air. There are lots of pastels used throughout while the women often wear floral or patterned dresses. The movie was filmed in Belgium in a lovely quaint village that seems straight out of a picture book. The score, by Ilona Sekacz, is wonderfully emotive; a voiceover weaves throughout the narrative, giving it even more of a storybook aesthetic. Several times throughout the movie, Danielle imagines statues moving, and while the special effects are (delightfully) 1990s, it does lend even more of a whimsical touch. 

For all of its whimsy, the film also touches on some heavy themes from death to religion to sex to friendship to love. The latter half of the movie focuses significantly on death and the meaning of life with a series of characters dying, including one by suicide. Characters also discuss religion with negative connotations and the portrayal of the clergy is as hypocritical, at best. 

However, the film is most interesting in its views towards love and marriage. A neighboring farmer asks Antonia to marry him early on in the film and she refuses. “Don’t you need a husband?” he asks, and she responds, “What for?” Though they come to enjoy an affectionate and even intimate relationship, she continues to refuse marriage. While there are a few positive marriages seen in the film, Antonia and her daughter and granddaughter all avoid getting married despite pursuing relationships. You might say that the film has a cynical view of marriage, though the roots of this attitude are never fully explored. 

There are aspects to the film that make it feel even older than its 1995 release date. One character is named Loony Lips, and another character is a girl who is differently-abled whose depiction is perhaps not up to modern standards but is relatively inoffensive. And yet, it feels very modern as it candidly portrays a lesbian relationship. Though the word itself is never used, the two women are shown naked together in bed. . .  so there is no question of the nature of their attachment. 

Feminism is woven through the story at every level—the society depicted on Antonia’s farm is firmly matriarchal. But for all the ways that the film heralds Antonia’s strength and how she doesn’t need a man, it also doesn’t ignore the role of men in the world. We see firsthand the mistreatment of the neighbor girl Deedee at the hands of her father and brothers. Their behavior is extreme to the point of seeming cartoonish. There are also two rapes within the movie, though only one is shown on screen, that demonstrate the negative power of men. On the other hand, we see multiple positive portrayals of single motherhood, liberated female sexuality, and the feminine pursuit of the arts and knowledge. There are tender and caring male characters, but Antonia’s Line is only interested in how they relate to the women. 

Antonia’s Line won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 1996, making it the first feature film directed by a woman to win an Oscar. Gorris’s work is impressive throughout, both in how she handles tonal shifts and builds a large cast of characters and weaves the story around them. It’s a fascinating film that has been largely overlooked, despite its trailblazing history with the Oscars. Antonia’s Line is the sort of epic multi-generational story that we rarely see centered around women wrapped up in a fairytale-like exterior.

© Nicole Ackman (9/28/20) FF2 Media

Top Photo: Willeke van Ammelrooy and Els Dottermans.

Middle Photo: Willeke van Ammelrooy and Jan Decleir.

Bottom Photo: Willeke van Ammelrooy, Els Dottermans, and Marina de Graaf.

Photo Credits: Elisabeth Broeckaert.

Q: Does Antonia’s Line pass the Bechdel-Wallace test?

Yes!

Several female characters discuss a young girl’s education together, amongst other scenes. Even though there are many male characters in the large ensemble, the film is very female-focused. 

Amelie Lasker

By Amelie Lasker

Amelie Lasker joined FF2 Media in early 2016 after graduating from Columbia University where she studied English and history. She has written plays and had readings for Columbia’s student-written theatre company Nomads, edited the blog for Columbia’s film journal Double Exposure, and worked on film crews and participated in workshops at Columbia University Film Productions. She spent junior year abroad at Cambridge University, where she had many opportunities for student playwrights to see their work produced. 

1,476 comments

  48. Great goods from you, man. I have understand your stuff previous to and you are just extremely excellent. I actually like what you’ve acquired here, really like what you are saying and the way in which you say it. You make it entertaining and you still take care of to keep it smart. I can’t wait to read much more from you. This is really a tremendous website.|

    Reply

  49. The delayed finish of Europe’s top five leagues, or curtailment in Ligue 1’s case, meant that there was initial uncertainty surrounding 2020/21. When would it start? How long would the break between seasons be? How would the season work with the European Championships set to take place next summer? When would the fixtures be released? And so many other questions. You can play around with the spreadsheet to see how to work will all available features. And here are 2019/2020 European League Fixtures and Scoresheets: Articles, guides and insight You can play around with the spreadsheet to see how to work will all available features. And here are 2019/2020 European League Fixtures and Scoresheets: 19 July 2021, 13:30 CET: Third qualifying round draw2 August, 13:00 CET: Play-off round п»їdraw5 August: Third qualifying round, first legs12 August: Third qualifying round, second legs19 August: Play-offs, first legs26 August: Play-offs, second legs27 August, 12:00 CET: Group stage draw https://cruztmcr753208.life3dblog.com/8330198/manchester-united-scores-yesterday Bet on Soccer from your mobile with 1xbet! Jul 27, 2020 05:32 PM in Soccer Laduma TV Images by Getty Images and US Presswire Before leaving San Marino, England producer Tom Driscoll and Sky Sports News reporter Rob Dorsett assess England’s year, and look forward to 2022 – with relish. Result, live score and game progress are provided by our Livescore technology В«SportyTraderВ». Premier League – Scores & Fixtures – Football – BBC Sport All the latest Football News, Results & Fixtures, brought to you as it happens, including sports analysis and results from Ireland and around the worldSoccer News | Results, Fixtures & Tables | The Irish Times Opera Sports Soccer Fixture Results And Table Finish setting up your account for the full AppGrooves experience

    Reply

  50. Thanks for your marvelous posting! I definitely enjoyed reading it, you could be a great author. I will ensure that I bookmark your blog and will often come back later in life. I want to encourage one to continue your great writing, have a nice day!|

    Reply
  54. Pingback: hentai sex games for android

  66. Your windows are made from more than just glass. Our window cleaning service is designed to clean every element of your windows, for a comprehensive clean. We offer the following extra services: We provide HDBs, condos, bungalows and commercial units skilled window cleaning services at affordable rates. We understand the value of bringing clean windows to your home or house. That’s why to avoid those stains and smears, City Cleaning is here. All year round, bright and sparkling clean glass. To clean the exterior will be at least $4 per pane. For interior window cleaning, the minimum will be $5 per pane. To wipe putty, paint, or plaster off a window will be $7. For other types of windows, most companies will add $2 to $5 to their regular prices. Window cleaning for a newly constructed home runs higher than the prices mentioned above. To clean up construction debris and dust takes extra time. http://kmbsilesia.pl/community/profile/nilaamsel344935/ Set the correct prices to help grow your business. In Start Your Own Cleaning Service, the staff at Entrepreneur Press and writer Jacquelyn Lynn explain how you can launch a profitable cleaning service, whether you want to offer maid services, janitorial services, carpet and upholstery cleaning, and more. In this edited excerpt, the authors offer words of wisdom from owners of successful cleaning businesses on what you need to do if you want to succeed in the cleaning industry. Per square foot savings averaged with a cleaner indoor environment Crystal Clear Building Services is not your average commercial cleaning service. They provide facility maintenance and construction clean-ups in addition to their range of cleaning services. They strive to be a cost-effective quality cleaning provider that makes use of advanced cleaning technology along with specialized training to give their clients the best overall service.

    Reply

  77. Thanks for the marvelous posting! I certainly enjoyed reading it, you may be a great author.I will make sure to bookmark your blog and will come back in the foreseeable future. I want to encourage that you continue your great posts, have a nice day!|

    Reply

  78. Neat blog! Is your theme custom made or did you download it from somewhere? A design like yours with a few simple adjustements would really make my blog jump out. Please let me know where you got your theme. Appreciate it|

    Reply

  81. My spouse and I stumbled over here different web page and thought I may as well check things out. I like what I see so now i’m following you. Look forward to checking out your web page repeatedly.|

    Reply

  82. My brother recommended I might like this blog. He was once totally right. This put up actually made my day. You can not consider simply how much time I had spent for this info! Thanks!|

    Reply

  86. I love your blog.. very nice colors & theme. Did you design this website yourself or did you hire someone to do it for you? Plz respond as I’m looking to construct my own blog and would like to find out where u got this from. kudos|

    Reply

  93. whoah this blog is excellent i really like studying your articles. Stay up the great work! You know, a lot of persons are hunting round for this information, you could aid them greatly. |

    Reply

  101. I’m really inspired along with your writing talents as smartly as with the structure for your weblog. Is that this a paid subject or did you customize it yourself? Anyway stay up the excellent quality writing, it is uncommon to peer a great weblog like this one these days..|

    Reply

  109. I do not even understand how I finished up right here, however I assumed this post was once good. I do not know who you might be but certainly you’re going to a famous blogger if you happen to aren’t already. Cheers!|

    Reply

  120. Can I just say what a relief to discover somebody who actually understands what they’re discussing online. You actually understand how to bring an issue to light and make it important. A lot more people really need to check this out and understand this side of the story. It’s surprising you are not more popular given that you surely possess the gift.|

    Reply

  121. Please let me know if you’re looking for a writer for your blog. You have some really good articles and I believe I would be a good asset. If you ever want to take some of the load off, I’d love to write some articles for your blog in exchange for a link back to mine. Please blast me an e-mail if interested. Regards!|

    Reply

  128. Hello there! This blog post couldn’t be written much better! Looking at this article reminds me of my previous roommate! He constantly kept talking about this. I’ll forward this information to him. Fairly certain he will have a great read. I appreciate you for sharing!|

    Reply

  129. Wow that was odd. I just wrote an incredibly long comment but after I clicked submit my comment didn’t show up. Grrrr… well I’m not writing all that over again. Anyhow, just wanted to say wonderful blog!|

    Reply

  139. Hey I know this is off topic but I was wondering if you knew of any widgets I could add to my blog that automatically tweet my newest twitter updates. I’ve been looking for a plug-in like this for quite some time and was hoping maybe you would have some experience with something like this. Please let me know if you run into anything. I truly enjoy reading your blog and I look forward to your new updates.|

    Reply

  154. Howdy! This is my first comment here so I just wanted to give a quick shout out and tell you I genuinely enjoy reading your posts. Can you recommend any other blogs/websites/forums that cover the same topics? Appreciate it!|

    Reply

  170. Its like you read my mind! You seem to know a lot about this, like you wrote the book in it or something. I think that you can do with some pics to drive the message home a little bit, but instead of that, this is excellent blog. A great read. I’ll definitely be back.|

    Reply

  173. I blog often and I genuinely thank you for your information. This great article has really peaked my interest. I am going to take a note of your blog and keep checking for new information about once per week. I subscribed to your RSS feed as well.|

    Reply

  193. It’s a pity you don’t have a donate button! I’d without a doubt donate to this outstanding blog! I guess for now i’ll settle for book-marking and adding your RSS feed to my Google account. I look forward to new updates and will share this website with my Facebook group. Chat soon!|

    Reply

  223. Its like you read my mind! You seem to know so much about this, like you wrote the book in it or something. I think that you could do with a few pics to drive the message home a bit, but instead of that, this is wonderful blog. An excellent read. I’ll certainly be back.|

    Reply

  227. I have been browsing online greater than three hours nowadays, but I never found any fascinating article like yours. It is lovely price enough for me. In my view, if all website owners and bloggers made excellent content as you did, the internet can be much more helpful than ever before.|

    Reply

  230. This design is spectacular! You obviously know how to keep a reader entertained. Between your wit and your videos, I was almost moved to start my own blog (well, almost…HaHa!) Fantastic job. I really enjoyed what you had to say, and more than that, how you presented it. Too cool!|

    Reply

  231. I don’t even know how I ended up here, but I thought this post was good. I do not know who you are but certainly you are going to a famous blogger if you aren’t already 😉 Cheers!|

    Reply

  232. Hey there would you mind sharing which blog platform you’re using? I’m looking to start my own blog soon but I’m having a tough time choosing between BlogEngine/Wordpress/B2evolution and Drupal. The reason I ask is because your design seems different then most blogs and I’m looking for something completely unique. P.S My apologies for getting off-topic but I had to ask!|

    Reply

  233. Simply wish to say your article is as amazing. The clearness in your post is simply spectacular and i can assume you are an expert on this subject. Fine with your permission let me to grab your feed to keep up to date with forthcoming post. Thanks a million and please keep up the rewarding work.|

    Reply

  246. But O’Toole held firm. After saying he saw no reason to allow 6-to-5, he offered a suggestion for the casinos: “Why don’t you market yourself as having the best blackjack game in the country? Maybe that’s why you’re doing so well.” These numbers representative of the Las Vegas Strip are found in the Nevada Gaming Revenue Reports for the entire year of 2005 and several years prior to 2005, going back to the year 2000. It’s important that we go back to the year 2000 for two reasons. First, it examines a period where 6:5 games were not in existence as they are today. Second, the gambling destination of Las Vegas was subject to a horrific decrease in business due to the tragic events of September 11, 2001. Gaming revenue numbers were skewed for 2001 as well as 2002. I understand why traffic at this casino is decreasing. There are few if any licensed machines. Where are the monopoly, Sex In the city, zz top, Michael Jackson, Betty boop, ghostbusters, etc., etc., machines? Not at plainridge. There are more updated machines at twin rivers. The food court had 3 no name restaurants. The number of $1.00 machines is excessive and usually empty. I would rather drive to Foxwoods for a better choice of slots, than waste anymore money at Plainridge. http://empireblitz.com/community/profile/malissahaugen2/ When you complete the above bonuses and still want more, then visit Betsafe’s “Promotions” tab. In this section they publish daily, weekly and monthly offers. These include reload bonuses, cash backs, freerolls, free bets, bonus calendars, free spins, and so on. Free Spins Gratis – the best casino reviews portal! If you register an account with Betsafe, you’ll receive a 100% bonus and 50 free spins to enable you to begin your betting journey on a positive note. Once you sign up and deposit C$10, you’ll get your 100% bonus. When making deposits at Betsafe, you can get as much as 150 free spins. The minimum deposit amount is set at C$20 which will see you get 20 free spins. Deposit more, and you will get even more spins! TRUSTED CASINO – exclusive 50 no deposit free spins & amazing bonuses + sportsbook

    Reply

  253. This design is wicked! You definitely know how to keep a reader entertained. Between your wit and your videos, I was almost moved to start my own blog (well, almost…HaHa!) Wonderful job. I really enjoyed what you had to say, and more than that, how you presented it. Too cool!|

    Reply

  265. I don’t even know how I ended up here, but I thought this post was great. I don’t know who you are but definitely you’re going to a famous blogger if you are not already 😉 Cheers!|

    Reply

  304. You can definitely see your skills in the work you write. The sector hopes for even more passionate writers such as you who are not afraid to mention how they believe. All the time go after your heart.|

    Reply

  310. Pretty nice post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I’ve really enjoyed surfing around your blog posts. In any case I’ll be subscribing to your rss feed and I hope you write again soon!|

    Reply

  348. Hi, Neat post. There is a problem together with your site in web explorer, may test this? IE nonetheless is the market chief and a large component of people will omit your magnificent writing because of this problem.|

    Reply

  389. Greetings from Idaho! I’m bored at work so I decided to check out your site on my iphone during lunch break. I really like the information you provide here and can’t wait to take a look when I get home. I’m shocked at how quick your blog loaded on my phone .. I’m not even using WIFI, just 3G .. Anyhow, wonderful site!|

    Reply

  472. If they win, burgers. If you win, salads and deli sandwiches for lunch. Faerie spells cryptoMiningGame: This is a very unique faucet, along with traditional dinner entrees. The law banned casinos, please consult the website of the Supreme Court of the United States. Play video slots for free or for real money the Scatters also have a multiplying effect based upon the number of them that appear on a given payline, you might soon function as the next casino gambling blackjack king. Online gambling developments in the early days, management contracts that have not been approved are void. Life turned out to be complex, you can’t win at slots in the long run the more they feel relaxed and secure. The second example represents your best chance to come away with winnings. After all, you merely need to bet $20 before withdrawing whatever remains. All online casinos impose a minimum withdrawal, which generally ranges from $10 to $20. You need enough winnings from your no deposit bonus to cash out — otherwise, you’ll have to keep playing or make a deposit. https://mtsn3purwakarta.sch.id/forum/profile/juancrump439696/ Plan your escape now and save, book direct with us and save up to 30% off Luxury Tower rooms. Not Trop Virgin. In fact, its Deuces Wild variant offers the best return of all NJ online casino video poker games: 99.73 percent. Play at one of these two online casinos whenever you can. Online video poker paytables should be easily accessible when playing and can usually be found in the specific game’s information or ‘i’ section. Below you’ll find an example paytable commonly found in full-pay ‘Jacks or Better’ video poker. In the 1970s, computer technology advanced far enough to create and market true video poker machines. SIRCOMA, the precursor to International Game Technology (IGT), created a draw poker game in 1979 that began appearing in casinos. The video poker games were immediately popular and grew to include different variations of draw poker (with wildcards).

    Reply

  503. No wagering free spins are probably the best type of free spins that can be claimed. With this deal, all of the money won through the free spins on your chosen game is paid out as cash. Most online casinos offer free bets or spins to members who satisfy specific requirements. Join, make a specified deposit amount, or put down a given amount on a bet – limited to a particular event in most cases; are some of the standard requirements you must meet to qualify for these deals. You can play the spins for free once when credited to your account. No deposit bonuses are useful not only to casinos, but also to players. Online casinos use no deposit bonuses as marketing tools to attract new players and encourage them to play the games. No deposit bonus casinos are ideal for new players who want to try out the games for free before wagering real money on them. They can learn the game rules and explore the site’s features without risking their own money. Once they have exhausted their no deposit bonuses, they can make a real money deposit to prolong their stay at the online casino. https://www.viaggiatorinelmondo.com/community/profile/mellissaharley/ Golden Spade Poker Open Yes. In most cryptocurrency-only online casinos that use Bitcoin as a payment method, gambling is anonymous. Try any of the sites on our list to have a private crypto poker experience. In a nutshell Blockchain Poker offers a minimalistic and basic poker client, but everything works well. There are mostly small micro-games available and not much higher stakes, but Blockchain Poker is a very promising and developing project for cryptocurrency poker fans! CoinPoker sometimes offers entry into its big Crypto Series of Online Poker, which is nothing to sneeze at. The site is set to offer new players entry into CSOP Event #1, which offers a massive 251,000 CHIP-GTD prize pool. Incorrect. The top Bitcoin casinos – and even some of the smaller ones – allow you to play online poker with anything from extremely small stakes up to very large amounts. In fact, one of the main advantages of online poker compared to traditional poker is its flexibility. Anyone can play web poker with Bitcoin, and that means sites cater to both low and high rollers.

    Reply

  520. Created: February 21, 2022 Most of the games at Slots Garden mobile casino are slots, as expected. You get amazing games like Crystal Waters and Megaquarium to try out. All slots come with exciting features that help you put together winning combinations faster. You get a few other games apart from slots, including blackjack, Keno, and Tri Card Poker. The casino also has progressive jackpots like Spirit of the Inca and Aztec’s Millions to give you a shot at a massive payout. Launched in March 2015, Slots Garden Casino is a top South African-friendly online casino with over 150 downloadable + 50 instant play games to choose from plus a generous R200 new player no deposit bonus + 100% welcome bonus. Software Provider: Sots Garden is powered by the popular RTG Software, and as you would expect, the casino has a user-friendly interface. The home screen contains all the valuable information from how to sign up to the terms and conditions and so much more. https://mrcoinhodler.com/forum/profile/eldonlinsley91/ Introduction to MGM Grand Detroit In downtown Detroit, Michigan lies MGM Grand Detroit. This commercial casino offers nearly 2,800 slot machines, many table games, and sports betting. Get Your FREE Guide Revealing… MGM Grand Detroit, Downtown Detroit Michigan has three commercial casinos, 23 American Indian tribal casinos, and a nearby Canadian casino across the international However, for Hollywood Casino, there is still room for improvement. There are plenty of other games and genres to explore, including popular offerings like Pai Gow Poker or even Craps. For now though, players will need to find another PA online casino if that is what they are looking to play. All new users receive 50,000 free credits. Sign up now and play today! Yes. Hollywood was the first online casino to launch in Pennsylvania, going live in July 2019. At that time, parent company Penn National Gaming partnered with online casino software leader IGT to roll out some 40 online slots and table games. Hollywood’s online casino has more than doubled in size since then. It has added progressive online slots, more table games like blackjack and roulette, and even live dealer versions of these games. Plus, leading game suppliers like NetEnt have jumped aboard, as well.

    Reply

  568. What i do not realize is in truth how you’re no longer really much more neatly-preferred than you might be now. You’re so intelligent. You realize thus considerably in terms of this matter, produced me personally consider it from so many varied angles. Its like men and women aren’t fascinated except it’s one thing to do with Girl gaga! Your own stuffs outstanding. Always care for it up!|

    Reply