Arclight Films announces the world market premiere of big-budget Dutch language action adventure ADMIRAL: MICHIEL DE RUYTER. “ADMIRAL” is a dazzling film of epic proportions portraying one of the most important events in Dutch history, the 17th century Anglo Dutch wars. The film features an A-list cast of Dutch and international celebrities including FRANK LAMMERS, CHARLES DANCE, RUTGER HAUER, AURÉLIE MERIEL and SANNE LANGELAAR. Larger-than-life battle scenes are brought to life by cutting-edge cinematography in the film directed by the award-winning and prolific Roel Reiné.
ADMIRAL was screened for a limited audience on January 26th at the Maritime Museum in Amsterdam, presented in a special high tech cinema. Moviegoers were wowed by the high-quality visual imagery, gripping realistic action and battle scenes, as well as the powerful performances by the adept cast.
ADMIRAL was filmed on location in The Netherlands for €10M and has just been widely released throughout the country through A Film achieving immediate success from its first theatrical audiences in sold out cinemas. The film has already been awarded Golden Status by the Dutch Filmfund just four days after its theatrical release, with over 100,000 tickets sold during the opening weekend alone.
Reiné, who was awarded the prestigious Golden Calf Award for his very first theatrical release, THE DELIVERY, has built a reputation as a prolific studio-director and action expert in The Netherlands and abroad. He has more than a dozen highly successful films under his belt including the new THE MAN WITH THE IRON FISTS 2 set for release later this year.
“ADMIRAL is an extremely important film with far-reaching global marketability in the way it captures the struggles of war and the rewards of perseverance, a topic still very much at the forefront of our global cultures and one everyone can relate to, in one way or another,” said Gary Hamilton, Managing Director of Arclight Films. “The movie sweeps viewers off of their feet with astonishing performances, top-of-the-line VFX and an extremely well-rounded and entertaining cinematic experience from the start.”
ADMIRAL tells the story of one of the most beloved historical personas in Dutch history, Admiral Michiel de Ruyter. De Ruyter is the most famous and one of the most successful Admirals in Dutch history who was also an innovative engineer, naval officer, and battle hero in the 17th Century Anglo Dutch wars. When the young republic of The Netherlands is attacked by England, France and Germany, and the country finds itself is on the brink of civil war, only one man can lead the country’s strongest weapon, the Dutch fleet — and that is the uncompromising Admiral Michiel de Ruyter.
“We have worked tirelessly to ensure our film entertains and moves audiences not just in The Netherlands and Europe, but all over the globe,” said Reiné. “We spared no expense in creating an enthralling experience for the senses that remains true to its historical roots, within a story that translates into cultures worldwide and reinforces the idea that defeat is not an option.”
ADMIRAL: MICHIEL DE RUYTER is produced by Klaas de Jong, famed cultural entrepreneur. Among de Jong’s impressive producing resume are TUSCAN WEDDING, LOVING IBIZA, and PENNY’S SHADOW.
Arclight Films is representing worldwide rights (with the exception of Benelux) on ADMIRAL and will be screening the film for buyers in Berlin at EFM.