In 1953, many Dutch citizens immigrated to New Zealand to start a new life. World War II and recent devastating floods had taken away everything from many, including family, property and hope. New Zealand offered a fresh start in a not-so-alien culture. Seems all the Dutch were already proficient in the English language and the climate and terrain were rather similar to Europe's.
At the same time, commercial airlines initiated the 'Last Great Air Race,' to establish the fastest time from London the Christchurch. KLM (Royal Dutch Airlines) filled its passenger list with immigrating brides whose fiancees had already establishes home and job in their new country, besides other immigrees. On board this historic flight, three women and a man, Ada, Esther, Marjorie and Frank, met and formed friendships that would last the rest of their lives. The unexpected and surprisihg twists and turns of their lives and relationships are fascinating and emotionally charged. Though all from the same small European country, their backgrounds, cultures and experiences were extremely different and the turns their lives took in their new homes reflected their character and how they would meet their new challenges. It was an engrossing look at the post World War II immigrant experience through 4 individuals' experiences. New Zealand's countryside and villages were lovely, though not the CGI-enhanced Middle Earth of the 'Lord of the Rings' trilogy. It's also humbling to the jingoistic American perspective that the world would like to immigrant only to the United State, the one land of opportunity.
Bride Flight
Director: Ben Sombogaart
Writer: Marieke van der Pol
Cast: Karina Smulders, Waldemar Torenstra, Anna Drijver, Elise Shaap, Rutger Hauer, Pleuni Touw, Willeke van Ammelrooy, Petra Laseur
Time: 130 min
Rating: R
Opening June 10 at the Clay Theater in San Francisco.
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