Peter Bell (Pietje Bell) is a spirited ten-year-old in pre-war Rotterdam whose pranks delight his friends and frustrate adults. After a string of incidents lands him on the front pages of a major city newspaper, Pietje bristles at exaggerated reports by journalist Paul Velinga and the paper’s powerful publisher, Stark. Determined to set the record straight and “do good” in his own way, Pietje forms a secret club with his friends Sproet, Kees, Engeltje, Peentje and Jaap: De Zwarte Hand (“The Black Hand”).
The youngsters’ escapades bring them into conflict with their strict neighbor and schoolmaster Jozef Geelman and his pharmacist father, while tensions at home rise between Pietje and his older sister Martha, who also teaches at his school. When Pietje and his friends stumble upon a den of thieves, events spiral and the authorities briefly suspect Pietje of wrongdoing. At the same time, Pietje tries to protect Sproet from his violent, unemployed father, Jan Lampe, drawing the Black Hand deeper into efforts to expose real criminals and help families in their neighborhood.
Amid citywide commotion and a Sinterklaas celebration, the truth about the thefts comes to light. Velinga revises his reporting, Pietje clears his name, and the community recognizes that the Black Hand’s stunts were meant to right small injustices. Pietje reconciles with his family and teachers, remaining a mischief-maker whose antics now have a purpose
Cast
Quinten Schram as Pietje Bell, a prankster and troublemaker who's good at heart.
Frensch de Groot as Sproet, Pietje's best friend, who comes from a poor family.
Serge Price as Kees, one of Pietje's friends and a member of "De Zwarte Hand".
Jordy Mul as Engeltje, one of Pietje's friends and a member of "De Zwarte Hand".
Sjoerd Metz as Peentje, one of Pietje's friends and a member of "De Zwarte Hand".
Nicky Burgers as Jaap, one of Pietje's friends and a member of "De Zwarte Hand".
Felix Strategier as Vader Bell, Pietje's father and a cobbler.
Principal photography began around mid-February 2002.[2] Shooting took place across various locations in the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany. Filming locations in Belgium included Ghent and Bruges.[6] The dance scene between Paul Velinga and Martha Bell was shot in the Efteling.[7]
In 2022, Kijkwijzer raised the film's rating from AL (all ages) to 12 following several complaints regarding its violence.[13] Producer Dave Schram criticized the change and considered taking legal action against Kijkwijzer, stating that "the filmmakers, cast, and crew are suffering financial losses as a result of the decision". Schram felt that Kijkwijzer could've made a mistake and said "I can't imagine there's a single moment in the film that could offend anyone. It's such a sweet and enjoyable family film".[14] It was later lowered from 12 to 9.[15]
↑ Verhaagen, Annelotte (17 May 2003). "Pietje Bell". Filmjaarboek 2002. By Hans Beerekamp. International Theatre & Film books. p.158. ISBN9789064036316.
↑ Breugem, Victoria (June 2002). "Een kwajongen op de Korenlei". Holland Film Nieuws, nr. 46 (in Dutch). p.19. Archived from the original on 10 July 2025. Retrieved 11 July 2025.
↑ Oostrum, Arnold van (30 December 2003). "Pietje Bell (DVD) recensie". AllesOverFilm (in Dutch). Archived from the original on 10 May 2019. Retrieved 9 August 2025.
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