Watch Char-ac-ter

Char-ac-ter (Character) is a 1997 drama film that explores the complicated relationship between a father and son in the Netherlands during the late 19th century. The film is based on the acclaimed novel of the same name by Ferdinand Bordewijk, and it stars a talented ensemble cast led by Dabney Coleman, Peter Falk, Charles Grodin, Sydney Pollack, Mark Rydell, and Harry Dean Stanton.

At the center of the film is the character Katadreuffe (played by Grodin), a young man with a difficult childhood who has worked tirelessly to overcome the odds and become a successful lawyer. However, his past continues to haunt him, and his complicated relationship with his father Dreverhaven (played by Falk) threatens to derail his promising career.

Throughout the film, we see Katadreuffe struggle to reconcile his desire for success with his complicated family history. He must navigate the rocky terrain of his fraught relationship with Dreverhaven, who is both his biggest supporter and his fiercest adversary. Meanwhile, he must also contend with the scheming office manager De Gankelaar (played by Pollack), who is determined to ruin Katadreuffe's chances at success.

Despite these obstacles, Katadreuffe persists in his quest for success, using his intellect and his determination to overcome the odds. Along the way, he encounters a colorful cast of characters, including his loyal assistant Joba (played by Stanton) and his rival lawyer Stroomkoning (played by Coleman).

One of the film's greatest strengths is its rich sense of atmosphere and setting. The Netherlands of the late 19th century is brought to life with stunning attention to detail, and the film is populated by a wonderful cast of supporting characters who add depth and texture to the story. Additionally, the film's soundtrack captures the spirit of the time period perfectly, with a mix of classical and traditional Dutch music that enhances the film's sense of time and place.

Char-ac-ter is ultimately a film about the struggle for identity and the pursuit of success. It is a powerful story of a son's desire to break free from his past and create a better future for himself, even as he grapples with the complex legacy of his family history. The film is beautifully crafted, with a compelling storyline, strong performances, and a richly detailed sense of atmosphere and setting. Fans of drama and character-driven films will find much to enjoy in Char-ac-ter.

Char-ac-ter is a 2012 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 26 minutes.