Directed by:
Ben SombogaartScreenplay:
Bill HaneyCinematography:
Reinier van BrummelenComposer:
Jurre HaanstraCast:
Johnny Flynn, Stephanie Leonidas, Emily Watson, Michael Culkin, Benno Fürmann, Ryan Winsley, Jake Kedge, Robert Timmins, Luke Gell, Mykola Allen, Udo Kier (more)Plots(1)
Based on a multi-award-winning novel by Thea Beckman which received the Youth Literature Award among other accolades, this film tells the story of 15-year-old Dolf who finds himself accidentally catapulted from the present day back into the 13th century, where he has to try to hold his ground amidst the turmoil of the Children's Crusade which, according to historians, took place in 1212.
Dolf's mother is a researcher. After they have a row one day, her son misuses her latest invention of a time machine to try to get to a football final on time, but finds himself transported instead to the past. All at once, 8,000 children are on the old Roman road on their way to Jerusalem in order to 'liberate' the city from Muslims. And Dolf is one of them! If he hadn't run into a girl of his own age named Jenne he would have been completely at a loss. But with Jenne's help, he learns to cope with life in the Middle Ages. Against his better judgement Dolf even finds himself among the leaders of the campaign. The priest, Anselmus, is convinced that the boy has been sent by God. But should Dolf put his faith in this religious zeal?
(Berlinale)
Cast
Johnny Flynn
South Africa
Best movies:
Hangmen (2016) (theatrical recording)
One Life (2023)
The Outfit (2022)
Stephanie Leonidas
UK
Best movies:
Endeavour (2012) (series)
Agatha Christie: Poirot (1989) (series)
Agatha Christie's Marple (2004) (series)
Emily Watson
UK
Best movies:
Chernobyl (2019) (series)
Corpse Bride (2005)
Breaking the Waves (1996)
Michael Culkin
UK
Best movies:
The Fifth Element (1997)
The Hours (2002)
Almost Strangers (2001) (series)
Benno Fürmann
West Germany
Best movies:
North Face (2008)
Merry Christmas (2005)
The Princess and the Warrior (2000)
Ryan Winsley
Best movies:
Henry VIII (2003) (TV movie)
Piggy (2012)
The ABCs of Death 2 (2014)
Jake Kedge
Best movies:
Crusade in Jeans (2006)
Robert Timmins
UK
Best movies:
The Prince and the Pauper (2000) (TV movie)
Crusade in Jeans (2006)
Luke Gell
UK
Best movies:
Crusade in Jeans (2006)
Mykola Allen
Best movies:
Private Peaceful (2012)
Crusade in Jeans (2006)
Udo Kier
German Empire
Best movies:
The Kingdom (1994) (series)
Narcissus and Psyche (1980)
Breaking the Waves (1996)
Lajos Kovács
Kingdom of Hungary
Best movies:
Paths of Light (2005)
Wings of Desire (1987)
6:3 (1999)
Ophelia Lovibond
UK
Best movies:
Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)
The Autopsy of Jane Doe (2016)
Rocketman (2019)
John Buijsman
Netherlands
Best movies:
Enough! (2016)
Skin (2008)
De marathon (2012)
Catrin Stewart
UK
Best movies:
Crusade in Jeans (2006)
Reinout Scholten van Aschat
Netherlands
Best movies:
Sea of Time (2022)
The East (2020)
Borgman (2013)
Walid Benmbarek
Best movies:
Dennis P. (2007)
Stricken (2009)
Crusade in Jeans (2006)
Ulli Kinalzik
Poland
Best movies:
Todesschüsse am Broadway (1969)
The Big Red One (1980)
Tatort (1970) (series)
Gerran Howell
Best movies:
1917 (2019)
McDonald & Dodds (2020) (series)
Queen and Country (2014)
Bert André
Netherlands
Best movies:
Turkish Delight (1973)
Woman Between Wolf and Dog (1979)
Soldier of Orange (1977)