Watch Spijt

Spijt! is a Dutch movie that sheds light on the effects of bullying on teenagers. The movie revolves around a 13-year-old boy named Jochem who is relentlessly bullied by his classmates. Jochem is overweight, shy, and socially awkward, making him an easy target for bullies. The movie shows the heartbreaking consequences of bullying, including depression, anxiety, and self-harm.

The story begins with the start of the school year, and we see Jochem on his way to school. He is nervous, knowing that he will have to deal with his classmates' taunts and jabs. The audience witnesses how his classmates bully and humiliate him at every opportunity, including during lunch breaks, class trips, and even on social media.

Through the eyes of the main character, David, who is also Jochem's classmate, we get a glimpse of how the bullies justify their behavior. They believe that they are simply having some fun, and that Jochem is overly sensitive. David is a friendly boy, but he is too afraid to stand up for Jochem, fearing he will become a target himself.

The situation escalates when Jochem doesn't show up for school on a Monday morning. The school is in chaos, and it is only when the news breaks that Jochem took his own life that everyone realizes the severity of his situation. The grief of his parents, classmates, and teachers in the aftermath is palpable.

The rest of the movie is about the attempt of the students, teachers, and parents to grapple with what happened and seek answers. David and his friend Vera, who are racked with guilt, decide to confront the bullies about their behavior. But it's not until the school organizes a memorial service for Jochem that the bullies start taking responsibility for their actions.

Throughout the movie, we see the different emotions and struggles of the characters—grief, guilt, and remorse, love, and empathy. We witness the impact bullying has, not just on the victim but on everyone around them.

The actors, especially Robin Boissevain, who plays David, and Dorus Witte, who plays Jochem, give excellent performances. They embody the different characters' struggles and emotions beautifully. The sound design and soundtrack are also noteworthy, adding to the movie's emotional weight.

Spijt! is a touching movie that sends critical messages about bullying and its consequences. It is a powerful reminder of the importance of kindness, empathy, and standing up for what is right. It encourages viewers to pay attention to those around us and to reach out to those who may be struggling. The movie is not limited to teenagers, but it's for everyone to view, learn and be empathetic towards their fellows.

Spijt is a 2013 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0.