La Kermesse Heroique [1935] [DVD]

Set in a Flemish town in 1616, the film exploit's the vulnerability of the Low Countries - the Cockpit of Europe, fought over by French, Spanish, Germanic, even English Armies (not to mention regiments of Scots and Irish and Swiss mercenaries). The townsfolk are shown as about to hold a carnival to celebrate their own independence ... while conscious that they are defenceless. The wars seem to have done them little harm - there is food a plenty, the men have grown fat and idle and can afford to sit around being painted in martial poses. Until news arrives that a Spanish army is marching towards the town.

"La Kermesse héroïque" is a visual delight. Shot in black and white, it replicates the style of the Flemish painting masters, producing a fast-paced costume drama, the humour of which has a timeless quality. It is a triumph of the film maker's art, capturing a sense of the history and feel of 1616, producing a film which was immediately relevant to the politics of Europe in the 1930's, yet providing a cinematographic legacy which can be enjoyed into yet another century ... a movie which is still alive and funny, maybe quirky in places, but still vibrant.

"La Kermesse héroïque" is, however, more than a ribald commentary on European militarism, the vulnerability of Flanders, and the propensity of people to collaborate with the powerful. It is also a tale of the battle of the sexes. The men of the town imagine that the Spanish army will bring rape, looting, pillage, and their own execution - and flee in terror. The women welcome the Spaniards - who prove superbly disciplined and perfect gentlemen ... and very grateful for the hospitality extended to them.

The BFI offer a beautifully restored print - picture quality is excellent, though evidently from a seventy year old original. Contrast and definition are excellent, yet you do retain a sense of the age of the film. Given that you are looking at a 17th century costume drama, shot in 1935, a sense of age is not something which will diminish your viewing pleasure. A bit more information about the director and the background to the film might have been of value as DVD extras, but, ultimately, this remains a highly enjoyable film, and a delight to watch

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Set in a Flemish town in 1616, the film exploit's the vulnerability of the Low Countries - the Cockpit of Europe, fought over by French, Spanish, Germanic, even English Armies (not to mention regiments of Scots and Irish and Swiss mercenaries). The townsfolk are shown as about to hold a carnival to celebrate their own independence ... while conscious that they are defenceless. The wars seem to have done them little harm - there is food a plenty, the men have grown fat and idle and can afford to sit around being painted in martial poses. Until news arrives that a Spanish army is marching towards the town.

"La Kermesse héroïque" is a visual delight. Shot in black and white, it replicates the style of the Flemish painting masters, producing a fast-paced costume drama, the humour of which has a timeless quality. It is a triumph of the film maker's art, capturing a sense of the history and feel of 1616, producing a film which was immediately relevant to the politics of Europe in the 1930's, yet providing a cinematographic legacy which can be enjoyed into yet another century ... a movie which is still alive and funny, maybe quirky in places, but still vibrant.

"La Kermesse héroïque" is, however, more than a ribald commentary on European militarism, the vulnerability of Flanders, and the propensity of people to collaborate with the powerful. It is also a tale of the battle of the sexes. The men of the town imagine that the Spanish army will bring rape, looting, pillage, and their own execution - and flee in terror. The women welcome the Spaniards - who prove superbly disciplined and perfect gentlemen ... and very grateful for the hospitality extended to them.

The BFI offer a beautifully restored print - picture quality is excellent, though evidently from a seventy year old original. Contrast and definition are excellent, yet you do retain a sense of the age of the film. Given that you are looking at a 17th century costume drama, shot in 1935, a sense of age is not something which will diminish your viewing pleasure. A bit more information about the director and the background to the film might have been of value as DVD extras, but, ultimately, this remains a highly enjoyable film, and a delight to watch.

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