Mira (1971) User Reviews

A bit unbalanced

[eabakkum · 6/10 · 25 October 2013]

Mira (from Mirabel) is a conjunction of cultural movements. The story is based on the book "De teloorgang van de waterhoek" (The decay of the water edge), a novel by the well-known Flamish writer Stijn Streuvels. Streuvels belongs to the group of artists, who in the early twentieth century developed a Flamish literature in order to resist the French cultural imperialism. This is reflected clearly in the narrative, which describes a small rural Flamish community. The first scene shows the slaughter of a pig, which is saying a good deal. Ponder about this! The community, and the mayor more than the others, feels threatened by the construction of a new bridge, which will connect their village to the big Belgian cities. They try to sabotage its construction, and even murder some of the workers. Joke: a man walks into a field containing a bull. He asks the farmer: "Is this bull safe?" "He is as safe as can be", replies the farmer, "but I can't say the same for you". In the end of course progress can not be stopped. The film script was written by Hugo Claus, at the time (1971) an illustrious Flamish writer. In order to open the Dutch film market, the film makers hired the Dutch director Fons Rademakers, a respected professional who in 1976 would produce the impressive "Max Havelaar". In addition the makers contracted the Dutch actress Willeke van Ammelrooy for the main character. She had already become one of the notorious Dutch sexspots (together with Monique van de Ven, Sylvia Kristel), who emerged in the wake of the women's movement for sexual liberation. The sex is so good that even the neighbors have a cigarette. This combination makes Mira very much a symbol of sensuality and aversion to authority. Claus and Van Ammelrooy represent the search for pleasure and delight in a world of abundance. Don't come knocking if the car is rocking. Unfortunately the psychedelic culture of the sixties is hardly reconcilable with the primitive peasant's culture in Streuvels works. He tried to create sympathy and empathy for groups, who suffer from the crushing of their culture and way of life. These two societies are light years apart, and difficult to project on the same screen. To me the result looks rather unbalanced. The existential disorders of the peasants are transformed into the boyish happenings of the students and hippie movement. I find the mutilation of Streuvels' world unpleasant. But for the sixties and seventies freaks Mira may well remain a milestone. It is not a complete failure, some parts are missing (joke). If you enjoy Claus and Van Ammelrooy, then please watch their other films.

Can't Decide What It Wants To Be

[silvio-mitsubishi · 6/10 · 12 November 2021]

An unbalanced mixture of a film, with elements of resistance to the modern world encroaching on village life, sexual liberation of a woman who has sampled life away from the restrictive local community, culture clash between locals and 'townies', and some aspects of exploitation of poor communities to serve the wealthy.

The efforts of locals to prevent a bridge being built over 'their' river are often comical - not dissimilar to Clochemerle - as they pull up marker pegs and harass the builders, but the violence is real. Two deaths, two significant injuries, and the use of Gendarmes to protect the ongoing work. No strong case is ever made against the bridge, despite passions running high, and the ending suggests a miraculous change of heart among the villagers. More curiously, the menfolk seem to need to travel for work; the bridge would seem a boon, not the curse they treat it as.

The editing is sometimes a little suspect and the plot is episodic, with jumps between scenes. Some characters seem destined to be vital to the story but disappear, while others change allegiance suddenly, or their motivations are unclear. Mira herself holds a power that defies explanation, and is not as sweet as she is played, while the engineer Rondeau's actions left me baffled. His innocence in the face of knowing locals and building crews alike is unconvincing. The relationship between residents on either side of the river is never really explored.

All these shortcomings aside, the film is engaging and keeps the viewer entertained.

Life and times of a Flemish fishing town

[vitachiel · 7/10 · 12 September 2019]

Never mind its flaws and mishaps, Mira is a fine example of that what makes movie making so special. It has authenticity, experimental cinematography, over-the-top acting and plain old comedy. It also has intense chases in the forest, dysfunctional family relationships, dark murder scenes and lively bar crowds.

I must admit that the storyline and buildup are rather weak and the ending completely turns the premise upside down. Where oh where can I find the director's cut? :)