The Boat Race

This is a moving, touching, sensitive film set in an original environment usually not given much coverage: rowing. The actors' performance is very convincing. Inspired by Bellefroid's own experience, it is a social drama, the poignant story of Alex, a teenager who is an adolescent repeatedly beaten by his father with whom he is living. He finds escape from this violence by immersing himself in rowing to win the Belgian championship. The film's authenticity and dramatic impact is heightened by the convincing performances from some extremely talented actors.

The setting of the Meuse river where he rows is radiant. The rock soundtrack illustrates well Alex's rage used in a positive way, to surpass himself in the boat. It contrasts with the dark side of the apartment where much tension is felt. It is the story of a harsh relationship between a father and his son, the inability to show love when suffering is overwhelming. At the Rowing Club, with the help of the coach, Sergi, and Murielle, the girl he's in love with, Alex will learn how to regain human values, to exchange with others, to love... He is initiated to the values of rowing: willpower, surpassing of oneself, solidarity, team spirit. It is a sport requiring strength and endurance and Alex needs these qualities to be able to escape his suffocating past.