Sint

Last updated
Sint
Sint film.jpg
Theatrical release poster
Directed by Dick Maas
Written byDick Maas
Produced byTom de Mol
Dick Maas
Starring Huub Stapel
Egbert Jan Weeber
Caro Lenssen
Bert Luppes
CinematographyGuido van Gennep
Edited byBert Rijkelijkhuizen
Music byDick Maas
Production
companies
Distributed by A-Film Distribution
Release dates
  • 31 October 2010 (2010-10-31)(Razor Reel Fantastic Film Festival)
  • 11 November 2010 (2010-11-11)(Netherlands)
Running time
85 minutes
CountryNetherlands
LanguageDutch
Box office$3,797,890 [1]

Sint (released on DVD as Saint in Europe and Saint Nick in the United States) is a 2010 Dutch dark comedy horror film about Sinterklaas, the character on which the Anglo-Saxon Santa Claus is based. The film was directed by Dick Maas and marked his return to the horror genre, in which he gained acclaim with his debut De Lift (1983) and Amsterdamned (1988). The story distorts the popular traditions of Sinterklaas and portrays him as a ghost who murders large numbers of people when his annual celebration night coincides with a full moon.

Contents

Plot

On December 5, 1492, members of a gang led by former bishop Niklas are killed by villagers who refuse to put up with the gang's looting and killing any longer. In years in which the gang's death date coincides with a full moon, they return as murderous ghosts.

The public is unaware of this and annually celebrates the Sinterklaas tradition on December 5, with adults not believing that Sinterklaas exists, but making little children believe that he does exist as a kind man who gives presents. The black Petes are not blackened by soot from the chimneys they enter to deliver presents, but as a result of the fire in which they were killed. Niklas' crosier (bishops’ staff) is a weapon; it has sharp edges and can be used as a sword or spear. On December 5, Sinterklaas and his Petes do not stand out, as many people dress like them for the celebration.

Goert, the oldest child of a family living in the farmlands, celebrates Sinterklaas with his little brother and sisters in 1968. As the Saint arrives to his house, he hears rumbling and growling noises. After comforting the pigs in the nearby barn, he sees Niklas on horseback on the roof of his house, and his helpers enter his house. He survives that night, but loses both his parents and all his siblings. 42 years later, the orphan is a police detective working in Amsterdam; as pakjesavond approaches, he is very concerned and recommends prohibiting all Sinterklaas activities and increasing surveillance as December 5, 2010 coincides with a full moon, but he is not taken seriously and sent on leave.

Frank, a high school student from the wealthy South Amsterdam neighbourhood, is noted that this Saint Nicholas' Day falls on a full moon, as he prepares to play Sinterklaas at a university student housing complex near the city centre. While driving to the location, a violent gang attacks his car, killing his two friends who play the Petes. Frank successfully defeats the gang on his own, but gets arrested for killing his friends, as well as his ex-girlfriend who ended her relationship with him earlier that day, who was found dead at the fireplace of her house. As he tells his story, no one at the police bureau believes him. As he is brought to prison, the police officers who drive the police car see Niklas on horseback and try to stop him by shooting him. Niklas' horse then falls on top of the police car from the rooftops. The officers are killed, and Frank escapes, as he discovers that Niklas and his horse are back on their feet despite being riddled by bullets. Frank's life is saved by a man who chases the two away with a flamethrower.

That man is revealed to be Goert, who brought Frank to his boat. He tells him that he spent much of his life doing research to Saint Nicholas. In 1968, roughly 300 people around the country were killed on 5 December, and according to him, it is no coincidence, as he assumes that Niklas and his gang invaded those people's houses like they did to his. He says that the authorities downplay the incidents, and they, as well as the Roman Catholic Church, keep the possible involvement of Niklas a secret. Knowing that the evil Saint arrives by sailing ship in the Old Harbour, and that he and his helpers are not immune against fire, he plans a kamikaze attack on Niklas' ship with his boat, on which he loaded barrels of explosives. A nearby police boat intercepts them after seeing that they carry explosives, and sends a special operations team to the harbour. After a brief interrogation, they confirm their finding of a sailing ship with an infrared camera. Niklas' gang attacks the men, killing Goert and most special officers. Frank then sends Goert's boat to the ship using fireworks, so he doesn't have to kill himself. The boat successfully targets the ship, and police confirm everything Frank and Goert have told about Niklas.

News reports reveal that such incidents have happened throughout the country that day. Despite this, Frank is told not to talk about Niklas and his murderous gang and how they might have caused those incidents, as they undermine the notion that Saint Nicholas is a good man that gives people, in particular children, happiness and something to look forward to, as well as a reason to behave well towards their peers and their family, for they are rewarded by the Saint for good manners. Frank tells his new girlfriend that he will tell the real story to her one day. Otherwise, she and everyone else will know after the next full moon Saint Nicholas' Day 23 years later.

Cast

Release

Sint had a substantial international release with rights being sold to over 30 countries. [2] It was released on DVD with English subtitles in the United Kingdom by Metrodome Distribution in 2011. [3]

Reception

Sint received negative reviews upon its release, with critics stating that the film's premise showed promise, but never reached its full potential.

Chris Cabin of Slant Magazine rated the film one out of four stars, calling it "predictably plotted and visually monotonous", criticizing the film's "unexceptional" kills and, lack of tension and/or scares. [4] James Dennis from Screen Anarchy gave the film a mixed review, writing, "With strong effects work, it's a breezy, fun ride while it lasts, but it's not something that will linger in the mind long. And that's a bit of a shame given the potential of Saint's creepy premise." [5]

Controversy

Although children were not permitted to see the film, parental concern arose over the film's poster, seen in the streets and in the lobbies of movie theaters. It shows Sinterklaas with a mutilated face and a malevolent look. Some people were concerned that this could be confusing and frightening for little children who still believe in Sinterklaas. A legal complaint was filed in October 2010, requesting the removal of all posters. In the subsequent court case, director Dick Maas argued that if parents could make their children believe that Sinterklaas existed they could also inform their children that the man on the poster was not the real Sinterklaas. The court ruled in favor of Maas, noting that the mutilated face was not visible enough on the poster, and rejected the complaint. [6] [7] [8]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Saint Valentine's Day Massacre</span> 1929 gang shooting in Chicago

The Saint Valentine's Day Massacre was the murder of seven members and associates of Chicago's North Side Gang on Saint Valentine's Day 1929. The men were gathered at a Lincoln Park, Chicago, garage on the morning of February 14, 1929. They were lined up against a wall and shot by four unknown assailants, two of whom were disguised as police officers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Saint Nicholas</span> 4th-century Christian saint

Saint Nicholas of Myra, also known as Nicholas of Bari, was an early Christian bishop of Greek descent from the maritime city of Patara in Anatolia during the time of the Roman Empire. Because of the many miracles attributed to his intercession, he is also known as Nicholas the Wonderworker. Saint Nicholas is the patron saint of sailors, merchants, archers, repentant thieves, children, brewers, pawnbrokers, toymakers, unmarried people, and students in various cities and countries around Europe. His reputation evolved among the pious, as was common for early Christian saints, and his legendary habit of secret gift-giving gave rise to the folklore of Santa Claus through Sinterklaas.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sinterklaas</span> Legendary figure based on Saint Nicholas

Sinterklaas or Sint-Nicolaas is a legendary figure based on Saint Nicholas, patron saint of children. Other Dutch names for the figure include De Sint, De Goede Sint and De Goedheiligman. Many descendants and cognates of "Sinterklaas" or "Saint Nicholas" in other languages are also used in the Low Countries, nearby regions, and former Dutch colonies.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Saint Nicholas Day</span> Feast day of Nicholas of Myra

Saint Nicholas Day, also called the Feast of Saint Nicholas, observed on 6 December in Western Christian countries, and on 19 December in Eastern Christian countries using the old church Calendar, is the feast day of Saint Nicholas of Myra; it falls within the season of Advent. It is celebrated as a Christian festival with particular regard to Saint Nicholas' reputation as a bringer of gifts, as well as through the attendance of church services.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Francis Dolarhyde</span> Fictional serial killer

Francis Dolarhyde is a fictional character and the main antagonist of Thomas Harris' 1981 novel Red Dragon, as well as its film adaptations, Manhunter (1986), Red Dragon (2002) and the third season of Hannibal (2013-15)

<i>Key Largo</i> (film) 1948 film noir crime drama

Key Largo is a 1948 American film noir crime drama directed by John Huston and starring Humphrey Bogart, Edward G. Robinson and Lauren Bacall. The supporting cast features Lionel Barrymore and Claire Trevor. The film was adapted by Richard Brooks and Huston from Maxwell Anderson's 1939 play of the same name. Key Largo was the fourth and final film pairing of actors Bogart and Bacall, after To Have and Have Not (1944), The Big Sleep (1946), and Dark Passage (1947). Claire Trevor won the 1948 Best Supporting Actress Academy Award for her portrayal of alcoholic former nightclub singer Gaye Dawn.

<i>New Police Story</i> 2004 Hong Kong film

New Police Story is a 2004 Hong Kong action thriller film directed by Benny Chan. It stars Jackie Chan, Nicholas Tse, Charlie Yeung, Charlene Choi, and Daniel Wu. The film was released theatrically in Hong Kong on 24 September 2004.

<i>Its Alive</i> (1974 film) 1974 American science fiction horror film by Larry Cohen

It's Alive is a 1974 American science fiction horror film written, produced, and directed by Larry Cohen. It stars John P. Ryan and Sharon Farrell as a couple whose infant child turns out to be a vicious mutant. The film's cast also includes James Dixon, William Wellman Jr., Shamus Locke, Andrew Duggan, Guy Stockwell, and Michael Ansara. The baby was designed and created by special effects make-up artist Rick Baker, and the film's score was composed by Bernard Herrmann.

<i>When Eight Bells Toll</i> 1966 novel by Alistair MacLean

When Eight Bells Toll is a first-person narrative novel written by Scottish author Alistair MacLean and published in 1966. It marked MacLean's return after a three-year gap, following the publication of Ice Station Zebra (1963), during which time he had run several restaurants.

<i>Winkys Horse</i> 2005 Dutch film

Winky's Horse is a 2005 Dutch-Belgian Sinterklaas drama film directed by Mischa Kamp, produced by Burny Bos and written by Tamara Bos, based on her book Winky en het paard van Sinterklaas. The film follows Winky Wong, who develops a fascination with horses amist her struggles with her family immigrating from China to the Netherlands, When she hears about the arrival of Sinterklaas, she decides to get one from him this season.

<i>On the Run</i> (novel series) Childrens novel series by Gordon Korman

On the Run is a series of children's novels written by Gordon Korman. It tells a story about two children who try to clear their parents' names while they are being hunted by the authorities themselves. The series has six books in total and was published in 2005 through 2006. The series also has a sequel series entitled Kidnapped, which follows the children after this series.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Patsy Conroy Gang</span> Criminal organization

The Patsey Conroy Gang or Patsy Conroys were a group of river pirates active along the New York City waterfront of the old Fourth Ward during the post-American Civil War era. For nearly twenty years the Patsy Conroys dominated the area of Corlears' Hook and were one of the last major waterfront gangs to remain in the district prior to the formation of the George Gastlin's Steamboat Squad of New York City Police Department. The Patsey Conroy Gang abruptly disappeared when their leaders Patsy Conroy, Larry Griffin and Denny Brady were imprisoned in 1874.

<i>Dollman</i> (film) 1991 American film by Albert Pyun

Dollman is a 1991 American science fiction action film directed by Albert Pyun and starring Tim Thomerson as the space cop Brick Bardo, also known as "Dollman" due to his being 13 inches (33 cm) tall. Bardo is equipped with his "Kruger Blaster", which is the most powerful handgun in the universe. The film also stars Jackie Earle Haley as Bardo's human enemy, Braxton Red. "Brick Bardo" is a character name used by Albert Pyun in films dating back to his second film, Radioactive Dreams.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Zwarte Piet</span> Saint Nicholas companion in Low Countries folklore

Zwarte Piet, also known in English by the translated name Black Pete, is the companion of Saint Nicholas in the folklore of the Low Countries. Traditionally, Zwarte Piet serves as an assistant to the saint and distributes sweets and gifts to well-behaved children.

<i>Phata Poster Nikhla Hero</i> 2013 film by Rajkumar Santoshi

Phata Poster Nikhla Hero is a 2013 Indian Hindi-language action comedy film directed by Rajkumar Santoshi. The film features Shahid Kapoor and Ileana D'Cruz in the lead roles, and was released on 20 September 2013 to a mixed to positive response from critics. The film's premise borrows loosely from the 1989, Mithun Chakraborty-starring, Guru, which itself was a remake of the 1985 hit Tamil film Kaakki Sattai starring Kamal Haasan.

<i>Reform School Girl</i> 1957 film by Edward Bernds

Reform School Girl is a 1957 film starring Gloria Castillo as a teenage girl who is sent to a reformatory. The film was directed by Edward Bernds and was produced by Samuel Z. Arkoff. Reform School Girl was one of many sexploitation films released by American International Pictures (AIP) during the 1950s and 1960s. AIP's films during this period were largely focused on juvenile delinquency. As part of the AIP formula, young girls were typically depicted as "good" or "bad", the latter of which were petty criminals, gang members, or the girlfriends of gang members. Other AIP films in the same genre included Drag Strip Girl, Hot Rod Girl, and High School Hellcats. Reform School Girl is available for on-line viewing at AMCtv.com. The film was released by American International Pictures as a double feature with Shake, Rattle and Rock.

<i>Scooby-Doo! Moon Monster Madness</i> 2015 American film

Scooby-Doo! Moon Monster Madness is a 2015 direct-to-DVD animated comic science fiction film, and the twenty-fourth film in the direct-to-video series of Scooby-Doo films. It was released digitally on February 3, 2015 and was released on DVD on February 17, 2015. The movie made its linear premiere on Cartoon Network in the United States on October 17, 2015.

Flemish Heaven is a 2016 Belgian drama film directed by Peter Monsaert. It was screened in the Discovery section at the 2016 Toronto International Film Festival.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bram van der Vlugt</span> Dutch actor (1934–2020)

Bram van der Vlugt was a Dutch actor. He is known for playing the role of Sinterklaas for over two decades. He died on 19 December 2020, at the age of 86, after contracting COVID-19 during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Netherlands.

<i>Saint Nicholas and his servant</i> 1850 Dutch picture book

Saint Nicholas and his servant is a Dutch picture book from 1850, written by Jan Schenkman. The book is about Sinterklaas' stay in the Netherlands, which he makes together with his servant.

References

  1. "Saint (2010)". Box Office Mojo . IMDb . Retrieved 23 October 2024.
  2. MacNab, Geoffrey (14 May 2011). "Saint sells for Film Factory". Screen Daily. Retrieved 3 November 2023.
  3. Benson, Daniel (30 November 2011). "Saint DVD Review". Horror DNA. Retrieved 3 November 2023.
  4. Cabin, Chris (27 April 2011). "Review: Saint - Slant Magazine". SlantMagazine.com. Slant Magazine. Retrieved 29 October 2019.
  5. Dennis, James (28 August 2011). "FRIGHTFEST 2011: SINT (SAINT) Review". ScreenAnarchy.com. Screen Anarchy. Retrieved 29 October 2019.
  6. "Sint film poster worries classification body". Dutchnews.nl. 18 October 2010. Retrieved 14 November 2010.
  7. "Beslissingen Reclame Code Commissie over de reclame-uitingen voor de film SINT" (in Dutch). Retrieved 14 November 2010.
  8. "College van Beroep bevestigt uitspraak: Poster voor de film Sint niet in strijd met Reclamecode" (in Dutch). Retrieved 14 November 2010.