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Belgica is a moving and poignant drama film directed and co-written by Felix Van Groeningen. It premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2016 and tells the story of two brothers who open a bar that becomes the epicenter of the burgeoning nightlife scene in their Belgian town of Ghent. The movie follows the journey of Jo and Frank, who are played by Stef Aerts and Tom Vermeir, respectively. Jo is a married family man who owns a small cafe with his wife and is content with his life. In contrast, his younger brother Frank is a single, wild, and carefree spirit who has spent most of his life partying and traveling with a band that never quite made it.

When Frank is suddenly fired from his job, Jo invites him to come work with him at the cafe. Frank quickly discovers that the cafe's clientele is not exactly his scene, and he is eager to start something new. So, the two brothers decide to team up and open a bar called Belgica.

At first, business is slow, but soon Belgica begins to attract a diverse and eclectic crowd of partygoers. As the bar grows in popularity, so does its reputation for debauchery and excess. The brothers' relationship is challenged as they both try to navigate and manage the ever-growing success of Belgica.

What follows is a compelling exploration of brotherhood, friendships, and the challenges of entrepreneurship. The film deals with themes of addiction, love, regret, and the price of success. As the bar grows in popularity, the brothers' relationship begins to strain and their personal lives take a toll.

The film is crafted with artistry and care, and it's a testament to the director's skills that the film never feels melodramatic or contrived. The cinematography is exquisite, and the performances by Aerts and Vermeir are first-rate. They deliver captivating portrayals of the two brothers, with Aerts being stable and reserved, while Vermeir is wild and impulsive.

One of the most striking aspects of the film is its use of music. Belgica boasts an excellent soundtrack, with various genres being represented, including rock, techno, and hip-hop. The music is not merely placed in the background but instead becomes an integral component of the film's narrative. The soundtrack helps to set the tone, drive the story, and amplify the emotions present throughout the film.

Belgica is a film that portrays themes that are familiar to everyone, such as the desires of self-discovery, the struggles of balancing work and life, and the bonds of friendship and family. However, what makes it remarkable is how effortlessly it blends those themes into a compelling narrative. The story unfolds chronologically, allowing the audience to witness the transformation of the bar and the brothers' relationship in the same order in which they experienced it.

In conclusion, Belgica is a beautifully crafted film that tackles real-life issues in a manner that is both intelligent and grounded. It is a compelling and honest exploration of brotherhood, relationships, addiction, and the struggles of starting a business. The film's use of music, combined with skilled cinematography and strong performances by Aerts and Vermeir, make Belgica a unique and unforgettable experience. If you are a fan of character-driven dramas, then this is a film that you would not want to miss.

Belgica is a 2016 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 7 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7 and a MetaScore of 63.