Release date1990 WriterAnna Blaman (story), Frank Krom, Anne van de Putte GenresDrama, LGBT, Psychological thriller, World cinema CastGeert Hunaerts (Kees), Tjebbo Gerritsma (Charel), Simon Gribling (Math. Teacher), Joost Hienen (Charel's friend), Cock van der Lee (Charel's friend), Diane Lensink (Mother) Similar moviesKiss of the Spider Woman, Brokeback Mountain, Milk, The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, Quick Change, Making Love
To play or to die trailer
To Play or to Die (Dutch: Spelen of Sterven) is a 1990 Dutch gay-related psychological drama film directed by Frank Krom in his directorial debut and co-written by Krom and Anne van de Putte based on a story by Anna Blaman.
In this short motion picture, schoolboy Kees is intelligent, introvert and sensitive, but gets ridiculed verbally and physically at an all-boys school by mindlessly cocky class mates and even insensitive teachers, especially in gym, where his physical weakness is mercilessly abused to make him a defenceless laughing stock in front of his smirking peers. His awakening sexual interest goes to boys, and in particular to Charel, a beautiful athletic classmate who probably feels an undetermined interest but would never risk admitting (possibly not even to himself) having any gay or bi appreciation, least of all for a 'sissy', and thus remains unresponsive to shy Kees' overtures. When the hunk finally comes over to Kees' place while his parents are away, a desperate disappointment with a tragical twist is in the making.
Cast
Geert Hunaerts as Kees van Wouden
Tjebbo Gerritsma as Charel
Joost Hienen as Charel's friend
Cock van der Lee as Charel's friend
Mike Starink as Charel's friend
Marc van Uchelen as Charel's friend
Diane Lensink as Mother
Wim Van Der Grijn as Father
Hilde Van Mieghem as French Teacher
Titus Muizelaar as Phys. Ed. Teacher
Simon Gribling as Math. Teacher
Reception
While there are no critical reviews, the film received mixed reviews from audiences, holding a 17% rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 72 user reviews, with an average rating of 3.3/5.