Yes Nurse! No Nurse!

Yes Nurse! No Nurse! is a unique blend of comedy, romance, and musical extravaganza directed by Pieter Kramer. The film was first released in 2002 and stars renowned actors like Loes Luca, Tjitske Reidinga, and Waldemar Torenstra. Yes Nurse! No Nurse! is a cinematic adaptation from the popular 1960's Dutch TV series, "Ja zuster, nee zuster," developed by Annie M.G. Schmidt.

The film narrates the vibrant everyday life and experiences within a Dutch old age home, cleverly named "Klivia's Rest Home." The home is run by the warm and charismatic Nurse Klivia, played by Loes Luca. Nurse Klivia's care home is not your typical old-age home, as it is a haven for a quirky array of tenants that make this story far from ordinary.

Nurse Klivia's motley crew of inhabitants includes Gerrit, a handsome burglar trying to reform his ways utilizing but continuously drawn back to his old habits. He is portrayed by Waldemar Torenstra. Tjitske Reidinga plays Jet, a young lady with romantic inclinations towards Gerrit. The rest of the house family comprises Engineer, Bobby, and the Boze Buurman (“Angry Neighbor”), who consistently make life for Nurse Klivia interesting.

The grumpy and immensely wealthy neighbor, Mr. Boordevol, beautifully enacted by Paul R. Kooij, takes the role of the antagonist. He eagerly wishes to evict Nurse Klivia and her eccentric tenants, consistently finding ways to present them as disorderly and causing nuisance. The battle between Boordevol and Klivia unfolds amid musical numbers and comedic occurrences, adding a touch of nostalgia from the original Dutch TV series.

Each character in Yes Nurse! No Nurse! is nuanced and contributes distinctively to the storyline. The characters are eccentric, lively, humorous, and touching, making the audience oscillate between bursts of laughter and emotional moments.

Given the backdrop of the old age home, the film gracefully captures the simplicity of everyday routines and conversations, beautifully reminding the audience of the essence of human interactions, relationships, and emotions. Amidst all the chattering, humorous banters, and eccentricities, what truly stands out is the beautiful bond that the tenants share with each other, making the rest home a real home for them.

Musical numbers form an integral part of Yes Nurse! No Nurse!. The film is filled with catchy tunes and dance numbers that will not only make you tap your foot but will also tug at your heartstrings. Notably, the film beautifully recreates and redefines the musical performances from the original series, adding a charming touch of the bygone era.

Yes Nurse! No Nurse! doesn't simply recreate the TV series on a larger canvas; it brings back the old magic with a new twist, making it suitable for both the admirers of the original show and new viewers alike. Director Pieter Kramer not only pays homage to the original series but also demonstrates his brilliance by adding a unique creativity to this film.

A special mention goes to the costumes and set design, which are vibrant, colorful, and perfectly represent the film's mood – joyful, whimsical, and a little bit surreal. The cinematography is impressive, making the most of the excellent set pieces and the lively city of Amsterdam.

In conclusion, Yes Nurse! No Nurse! is a delightful watch, a rollercoaster ride filled with amusement, sentiments, musical numbers, and vivid characters. The brilliance of the characters, coupled with interesting story arcs and high-energy musical numbers, makes it a fun, feel-good movie. It successfully breathes new life into classic tales, presenting a heartwarming depiction of camaraderie, love, and resilience.