Felix Timmermans

The movie follows the turbulent life of Wortel, a deeply devout yet flawed Flemish farmer at the turn of the 20th century. Wortel has an intense bond with his land, but his life is defined by a relentless series of tragic hardships.Throughout his journey, Wortel faces the loss of multiple children, the suicide of his son, and the heartbreaking deaths of his wives, Fien and Frisine. Despite these devastating misfortunes, he is constantly urged by the local village priest to accept this suffering as part of God's grand plan. Mixing heavy melodrama with moments of dark, bittersweet humor, the film portrays Wortel’s fierce survival instinct, human weaknesses, and ultimate search for solace through his faith and hard labor.

In this film version of the Dutch-language classic ('heimat'-)novel by Flemish author Felix Timmermans, the title character is a city-boy from Lier who after recovering from a life-threatening disease changes his life completely and his name to the self-invented Pallieter. He moves in with Charlote, a naive, caring relative in the country, where he starts frolicking, no longer caring for image, career or possessions, but concentrates on enjoying life -such as a draftee relative's Brueghelian wedding- and finds love with Marieke. A dark story-line however is when projected work on the river in the name of economical progress threatens the rural landscape they have fallen in love with...

There is a beautiful windmill near Winkelbroek. The miller is Wannes Coppens, someone who knows all the ways, but especially the detours, to achieve his goal. He is particularly proud of his son Antoon. He is a teacher, conductor of the brass band, painter... and has the reputation of being the biggest joker in Winkelbroek. Through Antoon's marriage to Louisa from the brewery, the miller hopes to regain possession of a piece of land. But the old brewer is unyielding. Wannes then takes a detour via the mayor.

The well-behaved Prosper De Leeuw from Lier is a grocer and, in his spare time, a member of a choir called "Het Ruisende riet" (The Rustling Reeds). Both at meetings and rehearsals, he shows admirable dedication to the cause. The choir wins first prize in Antwerp. Everyone celebrates heartily in the café until Prosper breaks a valuable vase. He is thrown out and, without a penny in his pocket, he stumbles back to Lier. On top of that, he contracts severe pneumonia. The whole town is shocked because Prosper De Leeuw is suddenly on his deathbed. Prosper confesses everything to his wife.

Saint Nicholas and Knecht Ruprecht wander through the town with their donkey and hand out sweets to the good children, but unfortunately the treats only last until the penultimate house.