To Play or to Die (1990)

In the condensed universe of this short film, we traverse the tumultuous school life of Kees, a bright, introspective and tender-hearted boy. Trapped within the brutish confines of an all-boys school, Kees finds himself the victim of relentless taunts and physical torment, not just from his brash classmates but also from his unsympathetic teachers. His struggles are particularly poignant in the gym, where his lack of physical prowess is ruthlessly exploited to reduce him to a helpless spectacle of mockery for his classmates' cruel entertainment. In this harsh environment, Kees' burgeoning sexuality gravitates towards his male peers, specifically Charel, a stunningly handsome and athletic classmate. Charel, however, is ensnared in the uncertainty of his own feelings, perhaps even harbouring a latent appreciation for his own gender. Despite this, his fear of societal judgement prevents him from acknowledging, let alone reciprocating, Kees' subtle advances. An unexpected visit to Kees' home while his parents are absent sets the stage for a heart-wrenching climax, a crushing disappointment laced with a tragic twist that will leave viewers breathless...

To Play or to Die is a drama movie featuring Geert Hunaerts and directed by Frank Krom.

To Play or to Die is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Tubi TV.

It is also possible to buy To Play or to Die on Amazon Video.