Left Luggage

Watch Left Luggage

  • NR
  • 1998
  • 1 hr 40 min
  • 7.3  (2,985)
  • 51

Left Luggage is a compelling drama movie from 1998 that tells the story of several people whose lives intersect and change after a young Jewish girl, Chaja, starts working for a Hassidic family in Antwerp. Directed by Jeroen Krabbé and based on the novel by Carl Friedman, this emotional and thought-provoking movie explores themes of identity, belonging, and the search for meaning.

The movie begins with the introduction of Chaja, a rebellious university student who is struggling to find her place in the world. She is constantly at odds with her conventional parents, who want her to get married and settle down. In search of independence and freedom, Chaja takes a job as a nanny for a Hassidic Jew family in Antwerp. The family is headed by Mr. Kalman (Maximilian Schell), a rabbi who is still mourning the loss of his son in a tragic accident.

As Chaja spends more time with the family, she develops a deep bond with their young son, Simcha (Adam Monty). Simcha is a sensitive and curious child who is fascinated by the world beyond the confines of his strict religious upbringing. Chaja introduces him to ideas and concepts that challenge his beliefs and inspire him to think for himself.

Meanwhile, Chaja's roommate, Martin (Jeroen Krabbé), is struggling with his own identity crisis. He is a survivor of the Holocaust who has never been able to move on from the trauma of his past. Despite his success as a lawyer, Martin is haunted by the memories of his family, who were killed in the concentration camps. He feels detached from the world around him and is searching for a way to make sense of his life.

As the movie progresses, the lives of these characters become increasingly entwined. Chaja's relationship with the Kalman family becomes strained as she struggles to reconcile her own beliefs with those of her employers. Martin becomes an unlikely friend to both Chaja and Simcha, offering them guidance and wisdom from his own experiences.

The movie reaches its climax when Chaja discovers a lost suitcase in the attic of the Kalman home. The suitcase contains the belongings of a Jewish family who perished in the concentration camps during the Holocaust. Chaja becomes obsessed with uncovering the truth behind the suitcase and the circumstances that led to the family's demise.

Throughout the movie, Krabbé masterfully weaves together multiple storylines to create a rich and nuanced picture of life in Antwerp. The excellent performances by the cast, especially Laura Fraser, who portrays Chaja with depth and authenticity, add to the emotional intensity of the movie. The movie also benefits from stunning cinematography, expertly capturing the atmosphere of Antwerp and the struggles of its inhabitants.

Overall, Left Luggage is a powerful movie that deals with heavy themes in a subtle and sophisticated way. It is a poignant reminder of the importance of remembering the past and the impact it can have on our lives. The movie's message of hope and resilience is truly inspiring and will stay with viewers long after the credits roll.

Left Luggage
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Description
  • Release Date
    1998
  • MPAA Rating
    NR
  • Runtime
    1 hr 40 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    7.3  (2,985)
  • Metascore
    51
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