Character
1997 · Movie · 122 min · ★ 7.4 · 87% critics
In pre-WWII Holland, a penniless, illegitimate son with a lifelong drive to prove himself sets out to become a lawyer. As he faces constant pressure from his spiteful father, his determination is tested again and again over the course of his life.
Where to watch
Rent from $2.99 or buy from $12.99.
2 hours to watch.
Rent
Streaming availability and prices may be inaccurate or change — verify with the provider before subscribing.
unSUB's subscription recommendations are informational only, not financial advice.
More value for your money
Similar titles, ranked by watch-hours per subscription dollar.
Details
- Original title
- Karakter
- Years
- 1997
- Release date
- 1997-04-17
- Language
- Dutch
- Runtime
- 122 min
- Critic score
- 87/100
- TMDB rating
- 7.4/10 (116 votes)
About
You’ll likely enjoy Character if you want an engrossing, character-driven drama with relentless emotional pressure and a haunting historical backdrop; Not for you if you prefer light stories or if you dislike films where motivations stay ambiguous like Ran or The Magdalene Sisters.
Pros: intense father-son drama; gritty 1920s atmosphere; strong lead performances | Cons: heavy, sometimes bleak tone; motivations feel unclear; tough-to-watch choices
Themes
- law and ethics
Awards & recognition
- Academy Award — Best International Feature Film · 1998
- Academy Award — Best International Feature Film · 1998 · nominated
- International Submission to the Academy Awards · 1998 · nominated
Cast & crew
Jan Decleir
as Dreverhaven
Fedja van Huêt
as Katadreuffe
Betty Schuurman
as Joba
Tamar van den Dop
as Lorna Te George
Victor Löw
as De Gankelaar
Hans Kesting
as Jan Maan
Lou Landré
as Rentenstein
Bernhard Droog
as Stroomkoning
Frans Vorstman
as Inspector de Bree
Fred Goessens
as Schuwagt
Directed by Mike van Diem