Watch Sonny Boy

Sonny Boy is a Dutch movie that narrates the poignant and inspiring love story between a Dutch woman and an African Surinamese man set in the early 20th century. The film is based on a true story and directed by Maria Peters, who succeeds in sensitively portraying the human emotions of the central characters amidst societal and cultural discriminations.

Ricky Koole plays the role of Rika, a single woman in her early thirties, who is looking for love and a family. Her traditional and conservative parents pressure her to get married, but she remains adamant on finding the right man. And that's when she meets Waldemar, played by Sergio Hasselbaink, a Surinamese sailor who settles in Holland in search of stability and employment. The two fall in love at first sight and start a passionate relationship despite the disapproval and disdain of the community and authorities around them.

The movie spans several decades and captures the contrasting societal norms of the Dutch and the Surinamese while highlighting the resilience of the human spirit in the face of discrimination and oppression. Waldemar and Rika face several challenges during their journey of love and sacrifice. For one, they are a mixed-race couple in a society that views such unions as taboo, immoral, and illegal. This is highlighted when they are fiercely prosecuted for living together, and Waldemar is eventually deported to Surinam. Additionally, they have the added responsibility of raising their son, Waldy, who is half-African and half-Dutch.

Despite the obstacles, Waldemar and Rika remain true to their love and continue their relationship even when separated geographically. This is shown through several letters they exchanged over the years. Rika leaves her parents' house to live with Waldy in the African district of Rotterdam, where she is forced to adapt to a new culture and lifestyle. She learns the Surinamese way of life, their food, and music and becomes a part of the community. However, she is also subjected to racism and prejudice from the Dutch and the Surinamese communities. On the other hand, Waldemar adapts to Dutch society and tries to provide a better future for his family.

The romance between Waldemar and Rika is the central theme of the movie, and the chemistry between Koole and Hasselbaink is both intense and convincing. Their relationship is delicate and powerful, and their love for Waldy and each other shines through every scene. The movie also touches upon the political and social realities of the early 20th century, with World War II playing a significant role in the plot as well.

The cinematography and the music score of the movie are praiseworthy. The camera work vividly captures the stark differences between the two cultures and the challenges that come with interracial relationships. The music score by Henny Vrienten, with its mix of Dutch and Surinamese traditional music, adds a depth of emotion to the storytelling, especially during the tender moments between Waldemar and Rika.

Overall, Sonny Boy is a beautifully crafted movie that explores the limits of human love and endurance, set against the backdrop of racial and cultural discrimination. It is a tale of hope and resilience, and the message still resonates in today's world where diversity and inclusivity remain essential issues. The performances by the lead actors, combined with the direction and production, make it a must-watch movie for those who appreciate emotional and stirring dramas.

Sonny Boy is a 2011 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 14 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7.