The Misfortunates

2009 · 1h48 · Film

Directed by Felix van Groeningen

Starring Kenneth Vanbaeden, Valentijn Dhaenens, Koen De Graeve, Wouter Hendrickx, Johan Heldenbergh, Bert Haelvoet, Gilda De Bal, Natali Broods, Pauline Grossen, Sofie Palmers

Ideal when you feel… Happy Romantic Angry

13-year-old Gunther Strobbe grows up surrounded by alcohol, trash and his completely useless father and uncles. Slowly but surely, he's being prepared for the same hapless life. Can he defy his destiny?

Original title

De helaasheid der dingen

Original language

Dutch

Screenplay

Christophe Dirickx, Felix van Groeningen, Dimitri Verhulst

Music

Jef Neve

Cinematography

Ruben Impens

Cast

Wouter Hendrickx, Johan Heldenbergh, Bert Haelvoet, Gilda De Bal, Natali Broods, Pauline Grossen, Sofie Palmers, Guy Dermul, Jos Geens

Updated July 22, 2026

Trailer

How to watch