Watch A Noble Intention

A Noble Intention, a Dutch film directed by Joram Lürsen, is a historical drama that takes place in the late 19th century in the Netherlands. The movie tells the story of Abraham Tuschinski (played by Gijs Scholten van Aschat), a successful Jewish businessman who wants to revolutionize the Dutch film industry. Abraham Tuschinski is a man with a vision. He dreams of building a string of luxurious movie theaters across the Netherlands, bringing fine cinema to the masses. But Tuschinski's ambitions are met with indifference or outright hostility from the established powers-that-be. The "cinema experience" in the Netherlands at the time was limited to dreary venues with hard benches and a single, flickering screen. Tuschinski wanted to create a new kind of movie theater - one that was opulent, with plush seating, ornate decorations, and cutting-edge technology.

The movie begins in 1909, when Tuschinski is introduced to the idea of motion pictures by a traveling showman. He is immediately hooked, and begins to invest in the new medium. He forms a close partnership with a fellow Jewish entrepreneur, Hermann Ehrlich (Jacob Derwig), and the two of them begin to work on realizing Tuschinski's vision.

Tuschinski's first major project is the construction of a theater in Rotterdam. The building is massive and ornate, with chandeliers, sculptures, and frescoes that rival the grandest European palaces. The theater, which is aptly named the Tuschinski Theater, quickly becomes a destination for moviegoers from all over the country. However, Tuschinski's success is short-lived. The outbreak of World War I interrupts his grand plans and throws him into financial ruin.

Tuschinski's woes are compounded by the fact that he is Jewish, and his business is targeted by the Nazis in the years leading up to World War II. But despite the threats, Tuschinski continues to fight for his dream, and his resilience inspires those around him.

At its core, A Noble Intention is a story of a man who overcomes adversity to pursue his passion. Tuschinski is an admirable protagonist, driven and visionary. His charisma is evident in how he interacts with those around him, even when the odds are stacked against him. His love for cinema is infectious, and his desire to share that love with others is inspiring.

The acting in A Noble Intention is superb, with all of the leads delivering nuanced performances. Gijs Scholten van Aschat is particularly notable as Tuschinski, capturing the businessman's passion and grit. His chemistry with Jacob Derwig's Ehrlich is palpable, and their partnership carries much of the film's emotional weight.

The movie's production design is a standout element, transporting viewers back in time to the early 20th century. The Tuschinski Theater, in particular, is a remarkable achievement, with every detail reflecting its character's grandiose ambitions.

Overall, A Noble Intention is a well-crafted and engaging historical drama. It tells the story of a remarkable man and his passionate pursuit of revolutionizing the Dutch film industry. It is not only a tribute to the glory of cinema, but also a celebration of human resilience and willpower in the face of adversity.

A Noble Intention is a 2015 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 50 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7.