Directed by
David Lammers

Written by
David Lammers

Production
Topkapi Films, Jeroen Beker, VPRO

Release year
2006

Runtime 
85 min

Story

Lucien runs a boxing training centre and lives for the training of his young pupils. He talks a lot and in no uncertain words. He is quick to attack and in fact does not take contradiction kindly. Lucien is a well-known figure in North Amsterdam. A tragic accident in the past has hardened him. He believes he has failed, and he cannot live with the thought. He suppresses his sorrow; empathy and compassion only irritate him. Mitchel, Luciens 15-year-old son, is much quieter than his father and finds it less of a problem to appear vulnerable; much to his fathers annoyance. Lucien always talks about sincerity, being able to look people straight in the eye, looking ahead. It is a wall he has built around himself.

Mitchel confronts his father with his behaviour during a barbecue with friends and family on the occasion of a birthday. Lucien blows his fuses and physically attacks Mitchel. Fully conscious of what he has done, Lucien withdraws in his boxing centre. He talks less and less, becomes introverted and everything he possessed slips through his fingers. In the meantime, Mitchel is doing ever better. He becomes independent at double speed, and no longer needs his fathers support. By facing up to what he has done, Lucien takes the first steps towards the future, and finally even dares to return to his son.