Leedvermaak is a 1989 Dutch drama film directed by Frans Weisz on a Jewish wedding in the Netherlands overshadowed by the trauma of the Holocaust. The film was selected as the Dutch entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 62nd Academy Awards, but was not accepted as a nominee.
Contents
Plot
Lea, the daughter of a Jewish family who survived Auschwitz, is preparing to marry Nico, a doctor. Her parents Ada and Simon want to hold the wedding ceremony on their estate. Among the invited guests is a woman who cared for their child as a foster child during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands. Instead of being grateful to this woman, the mother is jealous of her. The wedding party is overshadowed by memories of the Holocaust. In the background of this seemingly cheerful party the personal past of all those involved turns out to play such an important role that nobody is able to celebrate properly.
Cast
Catherine ten Bruggencate as Lea
Pierre Bokma as Nico
Kitty Courbois as Ada, Lea's mother
Peter Oosthoek as Simon, Lea's father
Annet Nieuwenhuyzen as Riet
Rijk de Gooyer as Zwart
Sigrid Koetse as Duifje