Watch Mariken in the Garden of Earthly Delights

Mariken in the Garden of Earthly Delights is a Dutch-language film released in 2012. It is a re-telling of a medieval Dutch play, Mariken van Nieumeghen, which is still popular in the Netherlands and Belgium today. The movie, directed by director Tom de Mol, is a visually stunning masterpiece that uses impressive camera work, music, and sound to tell a powerful and enchanting story.

The story follows Mariken, played by Hannah Hoekstra, a young girl who lives in medieval times. Mariken is an orphan who has been raised by her innocent and devoutly religious aunt. She craves excitement and adventure, but her aunt instills in her a sense of fear and caution. One day, Mariken visits the city of Antwerp against her aunt's warnings and encounters a devilish character named Moenen, played by Hernán Schvartzman. Mariken is intrigued by Moenen's charm and wit and decides to follow him into a forbidden garden. This garden, called the Garden of Earthly Delights, is believed to be the dwelling place of Satan himself.

Once inside the garden, Mariken is seduced by the pleasures of the flesh and the material world. She experiences all manner of debauchery and sin, such as gluttony, lust, and greed. However, as time passes, Mariken realizes that the garden is not all it seems. She discovers that Moenen is not just a mere mortal, but is in fact something much more sinister. Mariken now has to fight to escape the garden and return to her former life of innocence and piety.

Throughout the film, we see the character of Mariken undergo a profound transformation. She starts off as a timid and sheltered girl, but eventually becomes a strong and empowered woman. Her journey is a metaphor for the eternal struggle between good and evil. It is a timeless tale that speaks to both young and old.

One of the standout features of the movie is its impressive use of cinematography. The film was shot on location in Belgium and the Netherlands, and the beautiful landscapes and architecture are used to great effect. The director also makes use of a variety of camera techniques, such as aerial shots and slow-motion, to create a sense of magic and wonder. The visuals are complemented by a haunting soundtrack, featuring original music by Tom Holkenborg, known for his work on films such as Mad Max: Fury Road and Batman v Superman.

The acting in the film is superb, particularly by the lead actress, Hannah Hoekstra. She gives a nuanced and emotional performance that carries the film. She is able to convey both the innocence and vulnerability of Mariken, as well as her strength and conviction. Hernán Schvartzman is also excellent in his role as Moenen, providing a sense of mystery and danger to the character.

Overall, Mariken in the Garden of Earthly Delights is a wonderful and enchanting film that will captivate audiences. It is a testament to the power of storytelling and the enduring appeal of classic tales. The film is a must-see for fans of fantasy and folklore, as well as anyone who appreciates beautiful cinematography and powerful performances.

Mariken in the Garden of Earthly Delights is a 2015 art house & international movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 1 minute.