Wat zijn mooie meisjes

About This Movie

So, there's this short documentary, 'Wat zijn mooie meisjes,' from 1959, directed by Johan van der Keuken, though the director's name isn't the main draw here. It's more about the atmosphere he captures—the streets of Amsterdam alive with young women going about their lives. There's a kind of raw honesty to it, almost like you're peeking into moments that feel both ordinary and intimate. The pacing is relaxed, each scene unfolds gently, allowing you to soak in the ambiance of the city and the personalities of the women. No flashy effects, just pure, real-life moments that showcase a slice of time. It’s distinctive for its simplicity and the way it makes you reflect on beauty and youth in a very particular context.

This film has seen limited availability over the years, making it a bit of a rarity among collectors. Originally released on 16mm, it has various formats that surface occasionally, but they’re not easy to come by. Interest among collectors is growing, especially as it represents a unique period in Dutch cinema and social commentary, blending documentary style with engaging street-level storytelling.