If a director decides to make a movie close to the novel, than this should be respected. The photography is good and the actors are convincing. Especially Ronny Cuyt for the young Louis is a good choice and Marianne Basler for Constance looks good as his mother. The political situation of the thirties with the upcoming of fascist parties is well described in peculiar scenes in the typical Belgian café's. The catholic shool with its nuns is exactly as it was at that time. This movie gives a good idea of backward Flanders just before the war.