Belgica
Belgica

Movie spotlight

Belgica

2016
Movie
127 min
Dutch

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.

Insights

IMDb6.4/10
Rotten Tomatoes76%
Metacritic64/100
Google Users78%
Director: Felix van GroeningenGenres: Drama, Comedy

Plot Summary

The film chronicles the lives of two brothers who open a bar in Ghent, Belgium. Their venture quickly becomes a popular, hedonistic hub, attracting a diverse crowd and leading to escalating chaos and personal turmoil. As their lives become increasingly entangled with the bar's vibrant and sometimes dangerous scene, they must confront the consequences of their choices.

Critical Reception

Belgica received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its energetic direction, compelling performances, and unflinching portrayal of hedonism and its fallout. Some critics found the film's structure somewhat sprawling, but many were captivated by its raw intensity and emotional depth.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its vibrant and immersive depiction of nightlife.

  • Noted for strong performances, particularly from the ensemble cast.

  • Criticized by some for its episodic structure and lack of a clear narrative arc.

Google audience: Audiences generally appreciated the film's authentic portrayal of youthful indulgence and the messy consequences that follow. Many found the bar scenes to be particularly engaging, and the emotional arcs of the characters resonated with viewers.

Awards & Accolades

Won the Directing Award at the Sundance Film Festival for Felix van Groeningen.

Fun Fact

The film's soundtrack was composed and performed by the Belgian electronic music duo Soulwax, and the fictional band 'Belgica' in the film was played by Soulwax.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
Reno

Reno

> To start a business and carried away by its success. From the director of the Oscar nominated film 'The Broken Circle Breakdown', about two brothers who joins hand to start a new business and what follows is how they carried out by its...