Ronnie Bierman in Wat zien ik? (1971)

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Review

Wat Zein Ik (1971) is Paul Verhoeven's first commercial feature film. He made a full-length romanticized Marine history for the Netherlands Marines while in the service, and had a TV series under his belt, when Rob Houwer approached him about directing for him. He wanted to do Turkish Delight, but Houwer thought it way too risky a project, and convinced him to do Was Zein Ik. If successful, Houwer promised him Turkish Delight. Verhoeven agreed, but had a few challenges. The film was to be based on a well-known book about the red light district in Amsterdam, but one that was about the gay side of the district.

Verhoeven developed a story about hookers and their funnier tricks that did have some honest elements about the life (such as mean pimps), but was mostly a lighthearted comedy. He centered the story around "Blonde Greet" (played by Ronnie Bierman), and her associate who lived up-stairs. One consistent element in Verhoeven films is lots of well-lit nudity, and this is no exception. While it does not have the edge and shock content of his later films, I found it an enjoyable watch. Verhoeven fans need to see this, and foreign comedy fans who don't mind subtitles will also enjoy it. C.

Nudity Report: Bierman shows breasts several times, and an unidentified hooker shows breasts in a scene where Ronnie gets into a cat fight with her and sprays her with Champaign.

DVD Info: The DVD has an interesting biography of Verhoeven, and a feature length commentary by him as well.


Written by: Tuna …courtesy of Scoopy.net