Golden Ophelia

There's a good reason why even the people from Flanders (in Belgium) have never heard of the movies that were made in Flanders during the 70s and early 80s. They are dull, and they look incredibly amateurish and cheap! Even where there's a potentially great basic plot idea - like definitely the case in "Golden Ophelia" - the film is a boring misfire.

"Golden Ophelia" revolves around a depressed florist who is under the supervision of the local police because he tried to commit suicide while this is forbidden by law if you have not submitted an official request for it. So, Stefan Pielek, obediently submits his request to kill himself, and meanwhile he gives away all his flower bouquets and hangs around in the city. He meets the woman of his dreams and rediscovers the joy of living again, but then - of course - his suicide request gets approved, and he MUST make an end to his life. Bummer!

Be honest ... Such a wonderfully sardonic and completely absurd plot could easily be processed into a compelling dystopian Sci-Fi movie, right? Something in the style of "Logan's Run" or "Z. P. G.", perhaps? Sadly, though, there is no trace of a totalitarian regime, let alone a futuristic setting! As far as I can tell, the film is simply set in Antwerp in the year 1974, and society functions normal, except for that one crazy rule about suicide. This absolutely doesn't make any sense! Write a script in which Stefan runs off with his woman and gets chased by brainwashed outcasts, pre-programmed police robots, or whatever! Instead, the - fortunately short - running time is filled with melancholic scenes, pointless guest appearances, and sad music. What a missed opportunity!

PS - I'm watching all these oldies from Flanders, Belgium, on a little-known and old-fashioned TV channel. It's called Eclipse TV, and their target audience are the residents of retirement homes. I'm beginning to think there's a conspiracy going on here... This particular TV-station, in agreement with the government, is showing dull movies to put these poor old folks to sleep for good. It's a slow and untraceable form of euthanasia via a TV screen!

One of those curios with two release dates, decades apart, and it is not surprising. The original (1974) was perhaps unworthy of release, and the contemporary (2023) version, whether re-edited or just dumped on the world, is no better.

A florist has had enough and wants to kill himself but finds he needs a permit. After applying, he meets a significant other and changes his mind, but police do not routinely allow cancellations, so he must seek an alternative solution.

I understand the source novel was set in a dystopian society, but this has opted for a 1974 Flanders location, so much of the storyline simply does not work. The central figure is supposed to be so jaded he wants to die, yet falls in love in minutes. He wants out of his business, yet is cross that it disappears so easily. The police, meant to be burdened down by pointless bureaucracy, just seem lazy. And an early charity-scam character appearance seems to be key but turns out to be an unnecessary cameo.

Sorry, but it doesn't gel. Too many half-realised storylines, irrelevant interactions, and long periods of pretty music but no progress.