For A Lost Soldier

(Voor een verloren soldaat)

Synopsis:

The story of a romantic relationship between a grown-up and a child. Set in the Netherlands near the end of WWII, the film is a flashback recalling an adolescent relationship between Jeroen and a Canadian soldier. A difficult subject handled with style and feeling.

Quick Thoughts:

I have to admit that “For A Lost Soldier” is a different film. Not just a queer war film but a coming-of-age drama, there’s also a bit of romance – along with a rather taboo topic. Slow paced like many European films, we’re taken on a journey through young Jeroen’s childhood during the war when he was sent away from Amsterdam to live with foster families for survival. We spend nearly half the film setting up this difficult and challenging time, so that when the Allies arrive to liberate the Netherlands, it’s actually quite joyous and freeing. And amidst this new freedom is a eye-opening and thought-evoking budding relationship between one of the Canadian soldier’s and a very young Jeroen. Despite a fleeting moment in his life, this film perfectly captures a defining moment in Jeroen’s life. It’s rather beautiful to watch!