Overview: Three Women, strangers with no premeditated thoughts kill a male shopkeeper in the middle of the day, a female psychiatrist (Cox Habbema) is assigned to the case to find out why.

This provocative, radical, acclaimed feminist film was a hit both in Holland and abroad when it was released in theaters and is a feminist classic today, directed by Marleen Gorris of the Oscar winning Antonio’s Line.

Blu-ray Verdict: Winner Golden Calf, best Dutch film 1982 and Winner Grand Prix, Créteil International Women’s Film Festival, 1982, in A Question of Silence, three women from different walks of life are brought together by a violent act of rebellion in a department store.

At its core, the film is a powerful commentary on the oppression of women in society, and how societal gender roles can lead to a deep sense of alienation and despair.

Director Marleen Gorris creates a visually stunning and thought-provoking film that challenges its audience to rethink their assumptions about gender roles and the status quo.

The film’s unflinching examination of society’s role in perpetuating gender-based violence is particularly timely in today’s world, perhaps moreso back then (albeit unquestioned).

The performances in the film are all exceptional, with the three lead actresses - Edda Barends, Nelly Frijda, and Henriette Tol - giving nuanced and emotional portrayals of their characters. The film’s pacing and direction are also top-notch, keeping the audience engaged and invested in the story throughout.

While A Question of Silence may be too intense for some viewers, it’s a must-watch for anyone interested in feminist cinema and thought-provoking social commentary. It’s a powerful and unapologetic film that demands attention and respect.

Simply put, A Question Of Silence is dynamically bold, chock full of in-depth, and provocative social commentary, features exceptional performances, and has been expertly directed.

Special Features:
2K HD Transfer and Restoration
Original LPCM 2.0 Mono track
New DTS-HD MA 2.0 Mono track
Audio Commentary by Film Scholar Patricia Pisters
Interview with director Marleen Gorris (Cinevisie, 1982)
Interview with actress Cox Habbema (Cinevisie, 1982)
Polygoon Journal Newsreel (1982)
Promotional Gallery
Original Theatrical Trailer
IN DUTCH WITH ENGLISH SUBTITLES

Official Trailer