Rotterdam, late twenties. People pass a rundown but still impressive house that stands out on a poor neighborhood canal street. Inside, a body, lying on the floor, left for dead. Coming out of the building is a young man, gasping for breath, bleeding. He is recognized and later arrested by the police. During the interview, the story unfolds.

The famous Dutch novel "Character" by F. Bordewijik tells the brilliant story of the handsome introvert, but extremely ambitious Katadreuffe (Fedja van Huêt). Despite his poor background, he is determined to make something out of his life. Katadreuffe is born as the bastard son of Joba Katadreuffe (Betty Schuurman), a simple but proud woman, and the ruthless bailiff Dreverhaven (Jan Decleir).

Gradually Katadreuffe becomes aware that his father is the one who tries to keep him from becoming a lawyer. Puzzled by his father's actions, he develops a deep hatred for the man he once so looked up to. Troubled by their emotions, both men try to destroy each other but this battle has no winner, only losers. What remains is emotional debris, caused by conflicts of Character.

Director Mike van Diem graduated at the Dutch Film and Television Academy after writing and directing the 45-minute psychological thriller "Alaska," the first student film ever to win the Golden Calf , the Dutch Oscar for best short film of the year. Mike van Diem once more proved his visual strength with the much-acclaimed Dutch TV series "Called to the Bar."

Character (the Netherlands - 1997) won the Best Foreign Film at the 1998 Academy Awards.

Director: Mike van Diem
Screenplay: Mike van Diem
Producer: Laurens Geels
Art Director: Jelier & Schaaf
Costumes: Jany Temime
Photo: Rogier Stoffers
Editing: Jessica de Koning
Sound: Mancel de Hoogd
Cast: Fedja van Huêt, Jan Decleir, Betty Schuurman, Victor Low, Tamar van den Dop, Hans Kesting, Lou Landré, Bernhard Droog, Frans Vorstman, Fred Goessens.
Running time: 119 minutes