A Raw, Unyielding Stand Against Oppression
Read Time:4 Minute, 5 Second
MOVIE REVIEW
Broken Mirrors (Gebroken spiegels)
(adult content) – 
Genre: Drama, Thriller
Year Released: 1984, 2023 Cult Epics Blu-ray
Runtime: 1h 50m
Director(s): Marleen Gorris
Writer(s): Marleen Gorris
Cast: Lineke Rijxman, Henriette Tol, Edda Barends
Language: Dutch with English subtitles
Where To Watch: available August 15, 2023; pre-order here www.cultepics.com, www.mvdshop.com, or www.amazon.com
RAVING REVIEW: Let's journey to Amsterdam, specifically to its gritty underbelly, and enter the world of BROKEN MIRRORS. Marleen Gorris, renowned for her previous head-turning film A QUESTION OF SILENCE, directs this profound narrative, and it’s been lovingly restored with a sharp 4K Transfer and compelling bonus features.
BROKEN MIRRORS has made ripples across the international film landscape, clinching accolades at significant festivals, such as the Netherlands Film Festival and San Francisco International Lesbian & Gay Film Festival in 1985.
Sure, some critics saw it as waving the flag of separatism, asserting that the only male character dodging the women's scorn is a harmless drifter. Yet, the film could be interpreted as a meaningful attempt to reshape the traditional portrayal of gender violence in cinema. Forget about the typical sinister charm of a psychotic lousy guy clashing with valiant law enforcers. BROKEN MIRRORS weaves a different story that underscores the daily degradation endured by the women in the brothel and the chilling deeds of a serial killer.
Navigating the storyline with finesse, Gorris imbibes the film with a documentary-like realism, stirring up conversations about the resilience of women in distressing conditions. She skillfully crafts a narrative that echoes stories such as A HAND MAID'S TALE, in which women cater to a selected group of high-class men seeking forbidden pleasures.
The color palette of BROKEN MIRRORS expertly contrasts the grim, foggy wilderness of isolation with the lively refuge of the brothel. The pulsating soundtrack underlines the narrative, making this unflinching critique of male dominance a compelling watch.
Taking us into the everyday operations of an Amsterdam brothel, BROKEN MIRRORS unfurls a world where clients seek solace. We're introduced to this universe via Diane, a mother and housewife played by Lineke Rijxman. Her husband's unemployment and illness force her into sex work. Her new colleague, Dora, portrayed by Henriëtte Tol, becomes a pivotal figure in the ensemble cast, emerging as Diane's ally and guide.
The film dives deep into the tumultuous seas of these women's lives, unmasking their varied backgrounds, the pathways that led them here, and the demons they grapple with, like substance abuse and mental health struggles. The harsh realities of their profession are unabashedly presented, whether it's men leveraging their roles as clients or pimps or the unending nightmare of a serial killer's hunt.
BROKEN MIRRORS explores the lives of sex workers in the day of a male-ruled operation. Gorris's skillful direction and compelling narrative plunge viewers into the daunting world of these women, entrapped but unyielding in their stand against their oppressors.
The film ends with the observation that the safety of all women, whether sex workers or everyday women, hangs precariously in a world dominated by men. Gorris's film voices this brutal reality, compelling us to face these women's daily relentless terror. The stark visual contrast between the bustling brothel and the desolate world outside deepens this unflinching portrayal of women's ordeals. This is no gentle exploration of gender violence but a challenging viewing experience, leaving you pondering and potentially a tad shaken.
Special Features:
– 4K HD Transfer (from the original 35 negatives) & Restoration
– Audio Commentary by Film Scholar Peter Verstraten
– Interview with US Sex Worker Margo St. James (Adriaan van disc/Cinema 3, 1984)
– Promotional Gallery
– Trailers
– Dual-layered Disc
– Double-sided Sleeve
– Postcard
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[photo courtesy of CULT EPICS/MVD ENTERTAINMENT]
MY SAG-AFTRA/WGA STRIKE STATEMENT:
As an advocate for creators, actors, and writers, I firmly stand with SAG-AFTRA and the WGA in their current strike. The entertainment industry is built on these individuals' extraordinary talents, and their contributions must be appropriately recognized and rewarded. They deserve fair compensation, sensible work hours, and respect for their creative rights. I believe in the power of unity and collective action, and I'm steadfast in my support for their fight for better working conditions and fair remuneration. Together, we can shape a more equitable future in the entertainment world.
#SAGAFTRA #WGA #SAGAFTRAStrong #WGAStrong
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