The Giants.

Abandoned by their mother, who shows no sign of returning, brothers Zak and Seth, 13 and 15 live in their late grandfathers house. Left to their own devices they team up with Dany, 15, who is abused by his violent simple-minded thug of a brother. The three boys spend their days stealing food from their neighbour’s well-stocked cellar, smoking dope, drinking alcohol and joy riding in granddads old car. When money problems arise the two brothers decide to rent out granddads house to a local drug dealer for three months to allow him to expand his retail business, not a particularly good move for the boys, but when needs must!

Premiered in the Directors Fortnight at the 2011 Cannes Film festival The Giants (2011) won its director and writer Bouli Lanners, best known in Belgium for comedy acting, the SACD Prize. It’s a mix off old-fashioned children’s stories along with the influences of today’s world and it’s pressures on adolescents. It brings to mind films like Stand By Me (1986) and Shane Meadows Somers Town (2008) and the fantasy of Enid Blyton’s adventures but at the oppressive end of the social spectrum. Photographed with imaginative verve by cinematographer Jean-Paul de Zaeytijd who uses to great effect the beautiful Belgium and Luxemburg countryside. Lanners direction manages to bring out the best from our three young stars Paul Bartel as Dany, Martin Nissen as Seth and most of all from Zacharie Chasseriaud as the youngest brother Zak who appears to be the only one really missing his mother!

Life's one big adventure?

A rather captivating coming of age drama about the highs and lows of three young boys who decide that life should be one big adventure but soon realise that this dream is not always obtainable. Our young characters not only build up a bond with each other but also connect with the audience in such a way that you can’t help but feel for them. It also has a cracking score by the strangely named Bony King of Nowhere! A cool European ending leaves you to decide if you’re an optimist or a pessimist?