Rifka Lodeizen Movies

A carefree woman from Amsterdam retreats into the Zeeland countryside after being assaulted in her home, growing increasingly paranoid and vindictive in her isolated new surroundings before slowly learning to control her fears. Marieke is a cheerful woman in her early thirties. She enjoys living the fast life in Amsterdam. Marieke's fate takes a turn for the worse, however, when her boyfriend breaks up with her and a pizza delivery boy breaks into her house and assaults her. Impulsively purchasing a derelict cottage in the Zeeland countryside, Marieke attempts to shake off her painful memories in her scenic new surroundings. But the wide-open winter environment seems to have the opposite effect that Marieke had hoped for. Feeling unsafe in her new home, Marieke begins to regard kindly local John as an unwelcomed intruder. When Marieke's attacker is handed only a light sentence for his crime, she attempts to avoid becoming a victim by reaching out to others like her on the internet. Later, as spring gives way to summer, Marieke embraces the rejuvenating powers of the seasonal change, enters into a relationship with John, and gets pregnant. But although Marieke claims to look forward to becoming a mother, she has less control over her life now than ever before. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide

An unlikely friendship is renewed under difficult circumstances in this comedy drama from the Netherlands. Simon (Cees Geel) is a loudmouthed but likable hash dealer who one day meets Camiel (Marcel Hensema), a soft-spoken aspiring dentist who nearly falls victim to Simon in an auto accident. Despite the circumstances of their meeting and the fact that straight Simon is a bit taken aback by Camiel's gay lifestyle, the two become good friends, but they have a falling out when Sharon (Rifka Lodeizen), Simon's girlfriend, decides to find out just how gay Camiel really is and ends up having sex with him. Simon and Camiel don't see one another for nearly 15 years until they have a chance meeting, and Camiel learns that his brash and burly friend has developed a serious brain tumor and has only a few months left to live. As Simon becomes a shadow of his former self, Camiel and their old circle of friends band together to offer him comfort in his final weeks. Written and directed by Eddy Terstall, Simon was the official Dutch entry for the Foreign Language Film Oscar at the 2005 Academy Awards. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide

Frank Van Passel's adaptation of William Elsschot's novella Villa des Roses stars Julie Delpy. Delpy is a French maid who works at a home for the poor and unfortunate. She becomes pregnant, and is forced to risk a dangerous abortion. The director employed digital effects to help create the elaborate visual design of the film. Villa des Roses was screened at the Hollywood Film Festival. ~ Perry Seibert, All Movie Guide

In this Dutch comedy, a group of friends (they are all in their 20s) struggle with the notions of romance, friendship and sex. Mild-mannered, slightly awkward Dimitri is madly in love with Esther. Unfortunately, nice guys like Dimitri only inspire sisterly feelings in Esther. She is much more attracted to mysterious, dangerous men, the kind who will surely treat her roughly. Poor love-struck Dimitri goes to his buddy Maarten for advice; he tells him that the secret to winning Esther is to stop acting like a bridesmaid and become a bastard instead. To this end, gentle Dimitri begins to affect every macho posture in the book and fails miserably. Meanwhile, real macho bastard Gino finds his he-man ways a total washout with Susan. Fortunately, by the story's end, at least one couple has a happy ending. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide