De kameleon sjocht yn it waar (2002) User Reviews

Language Statement

[t-westerhof · 12 July 2005]

This movie has been made mostly as a statement concerning the treatment of minority languages by the movie-industry. The issue was that even though the books were written in Dutch, the location and behaviour of (most of) the characters made it clear that the language that would have been used most was the Frisian one. That the "real" Kameleon movie was made without giving the Frisian language the place it needed to make the movie realistic in that aspect was cause for a group of people (mainly students) to make a movie showing that a good movie could be made while using the Frisian language. If the fact that this movie is in itself a protest and statement, rather than a commercial product, is taken in consideration, the movie is very good. Not of real interest except for die-hard Kameleon fans and people interested in movies using the Frisian language.

more of these projects would do the world good

[FrancoisLamort · 10/10 · 2 August 2006]

Yes, There it was. The first Kameleon film ever made in the world. Even sooner to be seen than the disgustingly bad official releases made of the popular Dutch children's book series. De Kameleon, a series of boyish adventure books, set in the rural part of Friesland in the mid 50's,was to be filmed by a Dutch/Frysian filmmaker/ actor called Steven de Jong. At first the idea of such a film being made about this legendary children's book boat, was greeted with great enthusiasm. Then, however, a group of young Frysians heard the dreaded news that the film was to be made , completely dutch spoken. This, because the people who made the film, thought it would have more of a public appeal and haul in much more cash. In the 50's no living soul in Friesland spoke other than Frysian. A film about Friesland in the 50's speaking the devilish foul language of the dutch was like kissing Satan's hairy ass inside a church... Furious about this absurd decision, the Frysian youth decided to make their own version of this film. This time, however, it was to be completely Frysian spoken. The Frysian youth began searching for funds, which they found without too much trouble, because a lot of companies wanted to be part of this protest. The result was cheered with great enthusiasm. It has become a great picture, loaded with humor, nice camera-work and good acting. It has all the elements that can also be found in the Kameleon books. The release of this first Kameleon film was months before the release of the official(quite dull) version of 'De Schippers van de Kameleon' starring two of the most ugliest boys in Netherland. This made the studio, owned by director Steven de Jong and also the company that held the rights for the books, so mad, they decided to start a legal crusade in banning the film. However, before any Judge had given any saying, the film had already been watched by a very large crowd of viewers. Many believe this version to be better than the commercial one that was made after this one. The film, for now is banned. But for those who seek well, versions of it still circulate the internet. I believe that one day, when the commercial bastards are done with milking out the franchise, The original , first, unofficial Kameleon film will be free to watch for everybody who wishes to enjoy the spectacle.

Until that day...

Oant sjeen!