Watch Polleke

Polleke is a Dutch film released in 2003, directed by Ineke Houtman based on a novel by Guus Kuijer. The movie is a story of a young girl named Polleke (Liv Stig), who grows up in a unique family where her father is a drug addict, and her mother lives in a lesbian relationship. Polleke is raised mostly by her grandfather, Opa (Adriaan Olree).

The movie is about Polleke's journey into adolescence, the challenges she faces, and the way she deals with them. She is a bright girl who has a passion for writing poems and stories which she does in her diary. The film starts when Polleke falls in love with a Moroccan boy named Mimoen (Mamoun Elyounoussi), who is her classmate. Mimoen is a Muslim boy who is following the traditional Islamic way of life.

The love story between Polleke and Mimoen is the main focus of the movie. The director Ineke Houtman portrays the innocent love of two teenagers, living in a modern Dutch society with different ethnic backgrounds. Polleke's family members don't approve of Mimoen because of their different religious and cultural backgrounds.

The movie also deals with the social problems faced by the different characters in the film. Polleke's best friend, Caro, lives in a broken home with her mother and stepfather. Caro has to face physical and emotional abuse from her stepfather. The other supporting characters in the movie include Polleke's father, Spiek, who is a drug addict and has no interest in his family.

Polleke's mother, Tina, lives in a lesbian relationship and is often away from home, leaving Polleke under the care of her grandfather. The movie also depicts the challenges faced by immigrants in the Netherlands, such as Mimoen's family as they struggle to fit into the Dutch culture.

The film's themes include love, friendship, family values, and cultural differences. Polleke is raised in a liberal-minded family and is independent-minded from a young age, but she still misses the presence of her mother and father. Her relationship with her grandfather, Opa, is an essential element of the movie, as he supports her throughout her journey of growing up.

The movie's overall message is that love can bring people together regardless of their backgrounds, cultural differences, or social problems. It emphasizes the importance of empathy and understanding towards people from different cultures and shows the challenges faced by young people growing up in a diverse and multi-cultural society.

The performances of the young actors in the movie are excellent, especially Liv Stig's portrayal of Polleke, who displays a wide range of emotions throughout the story. Mamoun Elyounoussi, who plays Mimoen, also gives a great performance, as he displays the tensions of a young Muslim boy trying to integrate into Dutch society.

The cinematography of the movie is also notable, as it captures the beautiful scenic locations in the Netherlands. The director Ineke Houtman's use of music and sound is also noteworthy as it adds to the emotional depth of the story.

In conclusion, Polleke is a heartwarming movie about a young girl's journey into adolescence as she navigates love, family, and cultural differences. It shows the struggles faced by people with different backgrounds in modern Dutch society, emphasizing the importance of empathy and understanding. The performances of the young actors are exceptional, and the director Ineke Houtman's portrayal of innocent love between two teenagers is impressive. Polleke is a must-watch film for those who appreciate coming-of-age films that convey a powerful message.