Character (1997)

Set against the stark backdrop of the 1920s Netherlands, "Character" explores the turbulent life of Jacob Willem Katadreuffe, a law graduate plunged into a chilling murder investigation of the High Court Enforcement Officer, Dreverhaven. Following a bloody confrontation at Dreverhaven's office, Katadreuffe finds himself the prime suspect, arrested and compelled to unfurl the tangled threads of his past to the Chief of Police. Born from the union of Joba, Dreverhaven's maid, and Dreverhaven himself, Katadreuffe's existence was marked by adversity from the start. His conception, a result of a violent encounter, left Joba pregnant and looking for an escape. Dreverhaven's proposal of marriage was met with defiance as Joba abandoned her job, leaving Dreverhaven's home with the unborn Katadreuffe. The echoes of his birth followed Katadreuffe through his childhood, where he endured bullying, the sting of being labeled a 'bastard', and the stony silence of his mother. Katadreuffe's life takes a turn when he is implicated in a petty theft, leading to his arrest. His plea for help to Dreverhaven is met with cold rejection. However, fueled by intelligence and ambition, Katadreuffe refuses to be defined by his circumstances. He teaches himself English using a discarded encyclopedia and secures a position in a law firm. Under the guidance of his mentor De Gankelaar, he rises, all the while nursing an unrequited love for the secretary, Lorna Te George Victor. Throughout his journey, Katadreuffe's path is persistently shadowed by Dreverhaven's calculated attempts to thwart his progress. In the wake of his graduation, Katadreuffe confronts his nemesis, declaring victory over their lifelong conflict. But did the strife between Katadreuffe and Dreverhaven escalate to a point of no return? Did Katadreuffe, in fact, murder Dreverhaven? "Character" draws you into a poignant tale of resilience and rivalry, where success carries a heavy cost, and the line between innocence and guilt blurs.

Character is a drama movie featuring Jan Decleir and directed by Mike van Diem.

Character is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Tubi TV.