Little boy Kees is based on the famous classical masterpiece by Theo Thijssen and deals with a twelve year old Amsterdam schoolboy who grows up at the end of the 19th century in the Jordaan (part of Amsterdam. Kees Bakels is a dreamer who seeks refuge from reality with wild imagination where he dares more than in real life. Through his fathers illness and his young love for Rosa Overbeek he develops himself as someone who acts and assumes responsibility.
Acting
Ruud Feltkamp captures dreamy childhood defiance perfectly.
Production
Authentic 1890s Jordaan district recreation, no shortcuts.
Writing
Thijssen's beloved novel adapted with respect and heart.
Director
André van Duren
Ruud Feltkamp
Kees Bakels
Theo Maassen
Vader Bakels
Serge-Henri Valcke
Franse toerist
Sebas Berman
van Dam - klasgenoot
Yannick van de Velde
De Veer - klasgenoot
Monic Hendrickx
Moeder Bakels
Joep Onderdelinden
Gymnastiekmeester
Hans Kesting
Meester
Tjitske Reidinga
Juffrouw Dubois
Tanja Jess
Tante Jeanne
Frederik Brom
Oom Dirk
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Thijssen's novel is required reading in Dutch schools; this adaptation finally did it cinematic justice after decades of failed attempts.
The Jordaan neighborhood was so transformed they shot in De Rijp, using 300+ local extras in period costume.
NL
