For a Few Marbles More
Their playground was stolen, now they want it back
There are children’s films and there are children’s films. There are films that reflect the sentimental nostalgia of adults, and there are films that acknowledge and talk – and reflect – the challenges and concerns that children face. For a Few Marbles More (Voor een Paar Knikkers Meer) falls very firmly into this latter category.
The film centres on four children who spend their days playing marbles in the local playground. This is brought to an abrupt end when a pair of drunks decide that the playground is the ideal place to enjoy a crate of beer and force the children to leave.
The kids, as you would expect of a bunch of ten-year-olds, turn initially to their parents for help. Their parents, however, turn out to be useless. Wrapped up in their own concerns, the adults range from disinterested to absent and it is quickly apparent to the children that if they want to take back their playground they will have to do it for themselves.
They still need help, however, and, in desperation, turn to the local tough kid. We know he’s tough because he drinks coffee. Black.
Although this is a children’s film there is plenty for an adult audience to enjoy – and I have to admit that I was laughing out loud in places. Both the soundtrack and the superb cinematography combine, with a couple of very deliberate nods to Sergio Leone, to ensure we never forget that For a Few Marbles More is essentially a spaghetti western that happens to be set in Utrecht. With ten-year-olds.
And from this situation, the comedy flows very naturally from the actions and reactions of the, remarkably well drawn, characters.
It helps, of course, that the acting is so strong throughout, with some superbly naturalistic performances from the cast, all of whom manage to portray characters that are both believable and (as far as the kids go) very sympathetic.
Although there are nods towards the adults who will find themselves seeing this film, For a Few Marbles More is a film about and for children. It’s a film about growing up and discovering that there are limits to what your parents can – or will – do and about learning to take control of your environment.
It’s a great film and a must-see for any ten-year-old.
Monday 23 Jun 2008 | Paul Pritchard | Comedy
