Moscow, Belgium

Watch Moscow, Belgium

  • NR
  • 2008
  • 7.2  (4,295)
  • 68

Moscow, Belgium is a heartfelt and delicate romantic drama directed by Christophe Van Rompaey. The story portrays a middle-aged single mother, Matty, who is struggling to find her place in the world after separating from her husband. Matty lives in a small Belgian town called Moscow with her three children and works as a truck driver transporting animals to slaughterhouses. Her life involves a routine of meeting her ex-husband to hand over their children to him and returning to her mundane life. Matty struggles to cope with her loneliness, and her children only serve as a reminder of her failed marriage.

One day while driving her truck, Matty accidentally crashes into a truck belonging to a cab driver, Johnny. At first, their encounter is hostile, and Johnny accuses Matty of being in the wrong. However, the two eventually start seeing each other and develop a romantic relationship. Johnny is charming, easy-going, and entirely opposite to Matty's ex-husband, Werner, who is cold, distant, and bitter about their separation.

Matty and Johnny's relationship is not without challenges, and both of them have their own baggage to carry. Johnny has a young daughter with his ex-wife and is dealing with the ramifications of a divorce that he did not want. Matty, on the other hand, is struggling to connect with her teenage son who is going through his own set of teenage problems.

Moscow, Belgium is a film that celebrates love in all its forms, including the complex and imperfect. The chemistry between Matty and Johnny is palpable, and their relationship is built on authentic emotions rather than grand gestures. The movie avoids cliches, and their connection develops naturally, without forced dramatics.

The film explores the themes of loneliness, heartbreak, and the complexities of human relationships. The director, Van Rompaey, uses a subdued color palette of greys and browns, which adds to the melancholic tone of the movie. The cinematography is gorgeous, and the shots of Matty driving her truck on long, winding roads are particularly stunning.

The acting in Moscow, Belgium is exceptional, with Barbara Sarafian delivering a standout performance as Matty. She portrays the character's vulnerability and emotional turmoil with sincerity, making the audience feel for her. Jurgen Delnaet is equally impressive as Johnny, bringing a lightness to the film that balances out Matty's heaviness. Johan Heldenbergh, who plays Werner, is also remarkable in his portrayal of a man who is struggling to come to terms with the end of his marriage.

The film also features a talented supporting cast, including Anemone Valcke, who portrays Matty's teenage daughter, Vera. She is rebellious and defiant, adding an interesting dynamic to the family dynamic. She plays her character with a quiet intensity, and her scenes with Sarafian are some of the best in the movie.

Overall, Moscow, Belgium is a touching and bittersweet film about the power of connection and the resilience of the human spirit. The movie captures the complexities and messiness of love and relationships, without ever feeling contrived or melodramatic. It is a film that will stay with you long after the credits have rolled.

Moscow, Belgium
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Description
  • Release Date
    2008
  • MPAA Rating
    NR
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    7.2  (4,295)
  • Metascore
    68