Joep (Nils Verkooijen) shows his weird selfie on his i-phone to Akkie (Hanna Obbeek) in COOL KIDS DON’T CRY. Catch European films for free during Cine Europa at Shang Cineplex, Shangri-La Plaza mall from Sept 5-14, 2013. Photo by Jude Bautista

Written by

Jude Bautista

Joep (Nils Verkooijen) was always a showing off his i-phone. He gladly paraded a silly selfie right at Akkie’s (Hanna Obbeek) face. In one quick motion she grabbed his i-phone and darted through out the classroom showing the photo to the other girls who started laughing. Even though Joep was enraged she was too quick for him. She even climbed up the table just to evade him trying to get the i-phone back. Joep followed suit climbing on the desk. Just as the teacher came in, Akkie immediately gets back to her seat leaving Joep standing on the desk with his i-phone in hand. “That’s the last time I’ll let you play with your phone” said Ms. Ina Steens (Eva van der Gucht) and confiscates his prized possession.

Hanna Obeek has that Drew Barrymore charm, (right) is her rival Joep (Nils Verkooijen) in COOL KIDS DON’T CRY. Catch European films for free during Cine Europa at Shang Cineplex, Shangri-La Plaza mall from Sept 5-14, 2013. Photo by Jude Bautista

COOL KIDS DON’T CRY of the Netherlands is just one of 21 films you can catch for free at Cine Europa 16 in Shang Cineplex, Shang Rila Plaza Mall. The film fest will run from September 5 to 14 at the Shang Cineplex Premiere Theatres and proceed to Cinematheque Baguio City (September 17-22 ), Cinematheque Iloilo City (September 23 -29), Ayala Center, Cebu City (October 4 -6), Liceo de Cagayan University (October 10-13) and  Cinematheque Davao City (October 15-20).

Joep (Nils Verkooijen) bullies the smaller Ibrahim (Amin Belyandouz) during a soccer game in COOL KIDS DON’T CRY. Catch European films for free during Cine Europa at Shang Cineplex, Shangri-La Plaza mall from Sept 5-14, 2013. Photo by Jude Bautista

COOL KIDS DON’T CRY is a very inspiring coming of age film that deals with a lot of very current issues like bullying, women’s roles in sports and even kids coming to grips with terminal illness. Akkie is played by Hanna Obbeek who has a very strong resemblance with Drew Barrymore in her teen years. She has those blue eyes, platinum blonde hair and endearing smile.

Akkie played by Hanna Obbeek has a strong resemblance to Drew Barrymore in her teen years. Catch European films for free during Cine Europa at Shang Cineplex, Shangri-La Plaza mall from Sept 5-14, 2013. Photo by Jude Bautista

Whether its on the soccer field or anywhere else, Akkie is very active and a natural leader. She helps those who get picked on and make them believe in themselves. This puts her on the warpath against Joep the class bully who doesn’t believe girls should even be playing soccer.

One of many gifts from Laurens (Bram Flick) to Akkie in COOL KIDS DON’T CRY. Catch European films for free during Cine Europa at Shang Cineplex, Shangri-La Plaza mall from Sept 5-14, 2013. Photo by Jude Bautista

The story takes on a more dramatic turn when they find out that Akkie has leukemia. Instead of becoming a very heavy drama, it takes on an inspiring twist, as she is able to combat the illness with her courage and love for life. Although the movie is centered on teenagers, audiences of all ages will enjoy and learn from this very inspiring movie.

Akkie (Hanna Obbeek) with BFF Elise (Fiona Livingston) and barkada in COOL KIDS DON’T CRY. Catch European films for free during Cine Europa at Shang Cineplex, Shangri-La Plaza mall from Sept 5-14, 2013. Photo by Jude Bautista

Teenagers don’t stop being teenagers just because they have a terminal illness. She still falls in love. She still needs to play soccer and hang out with her friends. Instead of being a dark, sad film, it becomes a story of hope. The role of sports in the well being of kids and people in general is also an important theme. Soccer specifically becomes a kind of therapy for Akkie, who is the best player of her school.

Joep (Nils Verkooijen) doesn’t believe girls should play soccer in COOL KIDS DON’T CRY. Catch European films for free during Cine Europa at Shang Cineplex, Shangri-La Plaza mall from Sept 5-14, 2013. Photo by Jude Bautista

Elise (center) and the other kids try to get together to cheer up Akkie in COOL KIDS DON’T CRY. Catch European films for free during Cine Europa at Shang Cineplex, Shangri-La Plaza mall from Sept 5-14, 2013. Photo by Jude Bautista

One of the things that make the film realistic is the way that characters grow.  There are no black and whites no good guys or bad guys. Akkie is at odds with Joep because of his bullying, later on she finds out why and how he is this way. Ibrahim (Amin Belyandouz) is the smallest and most adorable of the kids but is also seems to be the smartest and most resourceful. Elise (Fiona Livingston) is Akkie’s bff who has confidence issues especially in playing soccer. Laurens (Bram Flick) is the boy who has always had a huge crush on Akkie and expresses himself through caricature.

Laurens (Bram Flick) expresses himself through drawing in COOL KIDS DON’T CRY. Catch European films for free during Cine Europa at Shang Cineplex, Shangri-La Plaza mall from Sept 5-14, 2013. Photo by Jude Bautista

Lessons aren’t preached in your face but come as a consequence of the story, which is based on a best selling novel by Jacques Vriens. The novelist actually has a cameo appearance in the film as the character Fietser.

Ibrahim (Amin Belyandouz) may be the smallest but is the smartest kid in the class. Catch European films for free during Cine Europa at Shang Cineplex, Shangri-La Plaza mall from Sept 5-14, 2013. Photo by Jude Bautista

Tolerance is one of the strong themes that can be learned. When they learn Akkie has leukemia her classmates talk about what happens when people die. Some kids say they go to heaven. Ibrahim, a Muslim kid says they go to Allah. Joep turns away and says when you die, that’s it. They examine this question give their answers and are not judged by them. Just being able to express his or her different beliefs somehow is a source of comfort for everyone. Whether you’re 8 or 80, you’ll cry, laugh and learn so much from COOL KIDS DON’T CRY.

Laurens (Bram Flick) created a super Akkie character in COOL KIDS DON’T CRY. Catch European films for free during Cine Europa at Shang Cineplex, Shangri-La Plaza mall from Sept 5-14, 2013. Photo by Jude Bautista