Belgica (2016)
Storyline
The story of two brothers who, even though they have absolutely nothing in common, open a bar together that quickly becomes a regular hangout for nighthawks. Despite the success, they must soon face up to the difficulties inherent in running a family business. Their brotherhood turns into rivalry, through no fault of their own.
Directors
Cast
Stef Aerts, Tom Vermeir, Dominique Van Malder, Ben Benaouisse, Boris Van Severen, Sara De Bosschere, Charlotte Vandermeersch, Stefaan De Winter, Hélène De Vos, Jean-Michel Balthazar, Bo De Bosschere, Sam Louwyck, Anjana Dierckx, Hannes Reckelbus, Silvanous Saow, Fouad Oulad Khlie, Arne Sierens, Johan Heldenbergh, Nils De Caster, Titus De Voogdt, Tom Ternest, Willy Peeters, Ilse De Koe, Iris Van Cauwenbergh, Zinya Van Reeth, Brit Van Hoof, Greet Verstraete, Fathia Assoued, Marijke Pinoy, An Vancutsem, Ignace Paepe, Eric Kabongo, stafaan de winter
Trailer
Reviews
80
Anyone who has pushed things a bit too far, and woken up with one too many “wtf” mornings, will appreciate how close Belgica has got to replicating hedonism going off the rails.
70
Its fleeting intoxications momentarily provide suggestions—and, for some, memories—of how the highest highs can sometimes make the drudgery of the rest of life worth it.
70
Van Groeningen conveys kinetically the combined power of a ferocious beat, copious drugs, and sexual energy to endow revellers with transient communal utopianism.
70
Big-picture cliches aside, this truth-blurring but thoroughly convincing portrait makes its case via the details.
50
Taking a straightforward approach isn’t necessarily a negative, but the sedate camerawork and editing make the movie’s progression staid. Even the musical moments are invigorating due to the music itself, and not by how it’s presented.
