Original subtitles

This film is inspired by Nathan, Iris and Anton

and is dedicated to all children with a metabolic disorder

There.

Well, that's that again.

Did it go well last week, with those new pills?

Yes, fine.

That was only citrulline, right? -Yes.

Nothing special to report. -Good.

Then I'll see you next week. -Well, I hope not.

You're forgetting something.

Bye.

Thank you for your performances.

The jury is going to deliberate. Catch your breath, I'll be back shortly.

The jury has decided. The couple with the most votes...

is Maarten and Roxanne.

However, you really have to work on your technique.

Stage presence alone isn't going to do it for you.

Nevertheless, a great performance. Congratulations.

Guys, a photo. One , two...

Here, you can have this one. -Thanks.

Then this one is yours.

Shall we order something? -Hey, brother of mine.

Nice dancing.

Congratulations. -Yes, thanks.

Dad couldn't come. He still had work to do.

He doesn't know what he missed. He could have found a new girlfriend.

I'm going to order. You guys want anything?

No, thanks. I'm going over to my family.

Yes, of course. -Bye.

Do you always dance with her? -No, they paired us up by chance.

Oh, by chance. -Yes, by chance.

That's fine.

Yes, sure, no problem.

Maarten. -Yes.

'Yes, Mom.‘ -Yes, Mom.

How did it go, dear? -Pretty good.

Yes, we ended first. -Wow, that's terrific.

Who did you dance with? With Annelies?

With Heleen? With Evelien? -No.

Who then? -You don't know her.

Oh, I don't know her.

Were Sarah and Dad there?

Yes, Sarah was. Dad couldn't make it.

Next weekend I'll be there. Promise.

Mom, stop it. -Then I'll hang it here.

Dancing on the Volcano

add: dance class Saturday June 1, 2012

15.00: hospital 17:00: dance class

workshop Frans de Roo frame maker

Frans, I'm home. -Hey, Sarah.

How was school? -Oh, fine.

Would you like something to drink? -Yes, please.

Here.

Freshly squeezed.

Is something the matter?

Can Maarten fall in love? -No, of course not.

He's a robot. -Dad, I'm serious.

Why? -He's in love.

Plié and stretch, plié and stretch.

And stretch to the left. Plié, right.

And back the other way. Stretch to the right...

plié to the left. Maarten, stretch your arms.

And come back again.

Arms up and flat back.

Stretch your legs, let yourself hang, and slowly roll back up.

Okay, gather up. We need to discuss the final presentation.

This group will do a mix of different dance styles, with a bit of partnering.

That means we'll dance in couples. And since I was a juror last weekend...

I know Maarten and Roxanne will definitely be a couple.

Beauty boy. -Yes, Mark, chill.

You'll be very important in the show. I expect a maximum effort.

Roxanne, I want you to work on your technique and flexibility.

As you heard from the jury, it wasn't up to par.

I want you to stretch, to work on your pointe and your line. Okay?

Maarten, where shall I begin? Your hands weren't tight enough.

You dragged your feet around, so you were too late all the time.

I'm starting to doubt your dedication and commitment.

I don't know what needs to happen. Go to bed earlier, eat better.

It's really not good enough yet. Clear? -Yes.

Okay. Everyone stand up. The first eight counts of the choreo.

We start low, back right, we step out, two arms up...

head to the right, leg to the right.

One, two...

three, four, everything in...

Maarten. So, did you win a prize?

Yes, we ended first. -You?

You don't even know how to dance. -I don't, but Roxanne does.

Oh, that explains everything. -How?

Dude, cut it out.

Are you extra tired after a contest?

Yes, I guess so.

That makes it even cooler that you won.

What was the party like? -It was a blast.

Great. -You should have been there.

Yes, late, late.

Hey, hustler. -Party animal.

Way to go, party animal. -Such a hustler.

Look who's talking.

Ladies and gentlemen, class has begun.

Today we're discussing Shakespeare, a great romantic.

Who doesn't know his lines from Romeo and Juliet?

Rik, shut up. Raimon, turn around. -Ramon.

Where were you? -At my grandma's.

And now quiet. Ramon, you'll stay behind. Steven, sit down.

I believe I'm already sitting. -And now quiet.

Today we're discussing Shakespeare.

And he was much better at hustling than all of you together.

One, two, three, four...

and five, six and seven, eight.

Hey, is something wrong?

Maarten.

Come and sit by the mirror. Keep going, guys.

Jennifer, can you count?

You're marking too much. This isn't an old-age home.

It's really very late for your medication.

No, eat something. -I'm not hungry.

I don't care, otherwise it doesn't work.

Big deal. -You know what I find a big deal?

I just talked to Remco. What happened in class?

Nothing. -You call that nothing?

He said you passed out. Probably someone else.

Darling, we have an agreement.

You can't always strain yourself. We made that agreement with the doctor.

I know that. -Well then. And Remco is very worried.

It'd really be better if everyone knew. -Does he know?

If he knew, he could take it into account and adjust the classes.

Adjust the classes? I'm not a retard. -Believe me, it'd be better to tell him.

I won't have to come back. -Why do you think that?

You always exaggerate. I just had a dip. Doesn't everyone at times?

But not everyone has a metabolic disorder.

Maarten, where are you going? Maarten, dammit.

Bye.

Hey, Sophie. Yes.

No, l have no idea. Why?

Oh, okay. I'll call you if I hear anything. Alright.

Wait, I think I hear something. Hold on.

Maarten?

Funny, Sarah. Maarten?

I think he just came mumbling in. I'll call you back in a sec, okay?

Maarten?

Dad, he's in the living room.

Maarten. Hello.

What do I hear? The Stones? Yes, the Stones. Good old Mick Jagger.

Dad, stop it. Stop it.

Dad, enough.

You see?

Well? -What?

Are you sleeping here tonight? -Sure.

Good.

Don't forget to take your medicine. -No.

I mean it. Don't forget your pills. -Dad.

Hey, about you and Roxanne. Do you have something going on?

Why? -Why?

Oh, so nothing has happened yet. -No.

Jesus. -What would you do?

You just have to go up to her. -And then?

The rest will happen on its own. -Yes, bye.

Just go for it. -Fuck, fuck.

Idiot.

Oh, shit.

Wait up. Wait.

Cool costumes. -Absolutely.

Hey, Maarten. -Feeling better again?

Yes, much better. -You guys go ahead.

Oh, time to chill. -Yes, guys.

See you tomorrow.

Here, listen to this.

Ready?

Here lam.

Go. -You're cheating.

Come and get me. Come on.

You're crazy. -Why?

Jesus,guys. Come, you know the way out.

Sorry, Johan. Forgive me, Johan. I'll never do it again.

Bye, Johan. -Later, Johan.

Wow, he was angry. -My goodness.

You have to go that way too, right? -Yes.

Then we can bike together. -That's nice.

How can you get an F on an open book quiz?

I don't know. She thought I was copying. That bitch just hates me.

Do you even have any books in this bag?

l have a box with books at home, but I'm not sure where.

Guys, we'll get wasted tonight. -Catch.

Do l have to throw you after it? -Go ahead.

What's going on tonight? -Tonight?

School party. -Dude, where have you been?

Of course.

Are we going to pre-drink at someone's house first?

Around eight, my place? -Sure.

Okay, later.

How will you slip past your mom? -Dude.

She's not going to let you go.

She didn't let you go last time either. -What?

She didn't let you go last time either. Yes, funny.

Come, FIFA. -Alright.

That's the way.

2-1, right? -Yeah-yeah, 2-1.

Roxanne, I know there are many men -Dude.

each time another one and it hurts me so much

I'm going. I'm out of here.

because the love you gladden me with I'd rather have

I'd rather have...? -Forever.

forever.

Steven, can you bring my pills?

I left them at your place. That small box.

Okay, I'll see you there.

Get some drinks? -Sure.

Need pills! Where are you?

At the lockers.

Yo, Maarten.

Is that XTC?

What the fuck, XTC?

What are we doing, buddy?

Come with me.

What the fuck? He takes XTC.

Did you see that?

Sorry, something happened with Maarten.

Where is he? -Over there somewhere.

Sarah.

Maarten. -What?

Maarten. -Wait.

Jesus, Maarten. -Can you stand up?

Come, let's go home.

Didn't you take the pills I gave you?

You look tired.

Are you looking after yourself?

Yes, I just had to bike hard.

Even so.

Well, that was it for today.

That was at the lockers, with Doutzen.

Doutzen? I kissed with her too. -No way.

You bet. Doutzen? -Yes.

Then in the hallway... No, still at the lockers, with Julia.

Ah, Julia. -Oh, Maarten.

Maarten was on XTC. -Cool shit, right?

What are you talking about?

Wasn't that why you got kicked out? -Pretty sick.

We're going to smoke in the park this afternoon. You're coming, right?

Right? -Yes. Later.

See you there.

Dude. Hey, what they fuck?

Come with me, now.

And when was that school party? -Yesterday.

Those drugs you're referring to aren‘t XTC pills...

but pills he needs for his illness. He has mitochondrial myopathy.

With a deficiency factor. It's a very serious metabolic disorder.

But you can't know that, as he doesn't want to tell anyone.

Exactly. As a school we can't smell whether a child is on drugs...

or taking his own medication.

Children in a less fortunate situation often do strange and extreme things.

My son is seriously ill and you talk about a less fortunate situation?

I'm done talking to you. And I'll talk to you later.

Yes, that's fine.

Sorry. Can I have a word with you?

Are you sure Maarten isn't coming back?

He's not going to make it. -What's the matter?

As a teacher I can't tell you that. I'm sorry, but Tim is a good partner.

It'll be fine. Go back to practice.

Another lift?

Right, good.

Did you eat at McDonald's yesterday?

And the other leg.

Everything alright? -Yes.

You know that blonde that just joined our school?

Her sister goes to our school too. The one with the big boobs.

Yes, yes. -Yes, I've seen her.

What about her? -She's hot. She's really hot.

Oh yeah. -She's a hot broad.

Yes, with... -Yes, pretty big tits.

Do you have any more of those pills?

The ones I had the other day? -At the school party.

Yes, I do. -Do you have them with you?

No, I don't. -Can't you go and get them?

Hey, boys, how's it going?

Fine. How about you? -Excellent.

Okay, nice. -Hey, Ramon.

Everything alright?

Come and sit close to me.

Bye.

Hey, I'm coming over to Mike's too.

Maarten? -He still hasn't called?

Oh, Frans. -He hasn't been here either.

He's been gone all night. I called Steven's mother.

He hasn't been there either. -I don't know either, Sophie.

Frans, l have a very bad feeling. I want to call the police.

No, don't call the police. Wait a bit longer.

Call me if he shows up at your door. I'll do the same, okay? Alright, bye.

Where were you?

Jesus, thank God. Maarten, where have you been all night?

Where were you? Mom went crazy.

She'd almost called the police. -I was at Steven's.

You were at Steven's, you say? No, you weren't.

We've called you at least 30 times. Why didn't you answer?

Come, lie down on the couch.

Why don't you answer your phone?

You have to take your pills. Who knows what could have happened.

Stop nagging. You sound like Mom.

Maarten.

'You sound like Mom.‘

Fuck.

Go away.

Hey, kid.

Listening to the Stones? Here.

A lot of hassle, isn't it?

I'm not angry. Of course not. Why would I be angry?

I also drank and smoked pot in my youth. And so did Mom, by the way.

She really means well, even if it doesn't always show. I know.

I trust you, but I just can't always follow you, and neither can Mom.

So she gets worried and then you get angry. You know how that goes.

I really believe you can handle the responsibility.

You know very well that you have to take your pills and when to do so.

You know you have to answer your phone”.

when Mom calls all worried in the middle of the night.

Right? -Yes.

But I still mess it up.

That's only normal. You're discovering what you can't do, and now you know.

But tell us a little earlier...

so we can understand you and follow you a little.

Maybe even give you some tips.

And really, you don't need that stuff.

There are plenty of boys like Steven who don't do it.

Besides, I understand that there's a very pretty girl at the dance school.

That means you have to look and feel good, right?

Right? Yes?

Yes, Sarah was right. Oh, that's great.

l have to deliver some frames. What do you want to do?

I want to go over to Steven later.

Okay, then I'll drive you to Steven, and on the way we'll get your blood checked.

I promised Mom. -Okay.

Okay? Deal.

Dieuwertje? -Yes.

Oh look, Ramon. Maarten? -No, he's not here.

Maybe he's sleeping in. Or maybe he's dead.

Yes, enough. Go ahead and take out your books.

Oh, sorry.

Hey, Maarten. I missed you last week.

Did you have a party? -No. Or yes.

Had too much to drink?

Well, I'll see you next week. -Thank you.

Hi, Mom. -Darling, did you sleep well?

Yes, fine.

Look, here's some tea. -Nice, thanks.

What a wild hairdo today.

Gee. Gee, Maarten.

Don't touch my hair. -lt's my hair too.

It's my hair. It's on my head. -But it comes from me.

Whatever.

Hey, Maarten, Remco speaking. You'll come to watch today, right?

Yes, if you have a ticket. -Of course, it's at the ticket booth.

See you later, then. -Alright.

See you then. Take it easy. Bye. -Bye-bye.

You're going to the specialist with Dad today.

Come on, I want to see the show.

No, you didn't go last time either. This time you will.

Well? -Yes, fine, Mom.

Okay, here we come, Dr Smit. -Mom, stop.

Hold on. Have you seen my phone?

Oh no, I forgot my phone. I'll just go and get it. I'll be right back.

Hey Maart, I don't know what's the matter...

but I do know you dance much better than Tim.

You will come and watch, right?

Shit, I'll never make it.

I've got it.

Maarten?

Hey Dad. -Hey, kid. What are you doing here?

What's that on your head? -It's a summer hat.

Did you want to go to Dr Smit like that?

Dr Smit? Oh, Dr Smit. Yes, I'm going to Dr Smit like this.

But I thought you were going to come with Mom.

Yes, but the performance of my dance group starts in 45 minutes.

Of your dance group?

With that girl you like. What's her name?

Doesn't matter. You have to take me there.

Come on, then.

Come on, do it the proper way. Give me the keys. Get in.

Dr Smit.

What time is it? -14.15.

Shit, that means it's already started. -Come on, it'll be fine.

Here, dry your face. You're all wet.

Thanks.

Her name is Roxanne.

Yes, she... -Oh, hold on.

It's Sophie.

Hello? Hey, Sophie. -We have an appointment.

Yes, I know. -So how about it?

I'm on my way to the hospital with Maarten right now.

That's not as it should be. He was supposed to come with me.

Yes, sorry, I should have called you. -Dr Smit is waiting.

Okay. Yes, I'll see you there. Bye, Sophie.

What... -Where's the theatre, right or left?

Left. -Then we'll go left, of course.

What did you think? -I thought you were going to tell Mom...

I got you, didn't I? -Take it easy.

Come on.

Stop. Okay.

Do you have your phone? -Yes, got it. Bye.

You'll be fine. -Bye.

ticket booth closed

What a lousy excuse.

No, you're coming to the theatre right now.

An audience of 300 people is waiting for you, dammit.

You know what? Suit yourself.

What's the matter? -Will you come with me, I'm in a hurry.

Goddammit, that boy has no sense of responsibility.

Hey, Roxanne. -Where is he?

l have bad news. Tim has blisters. -So what? We all do.

He's not coming. -So what about me?

I promise I'll do anything to get you on stage, but...

Can I come in? -Maarten.

I didn't know you would come. -Of course.

Come on, we have to go on in ten minutes.

Ho, ho, hold on. You mean Maarten will do the performance?

Who else? -No way, that's irresponsible.

But I feel fine. -Maarten.

You said yourself that Maarten is a good dancer.

Group 10? Five minutes.

Come on, Remco. What are you waiting for?

Okay. Your costumes are over there. Hurry up.

Maarten, seriously, will you manage? -Yes.

Here, my medication, in case it goes wrong.

Nice weather, isn't it? -Where's Maarten?

He had something more important to do. He's in love.

Really, with Roxanne from dance class.

Get out of here. -I just dropped him off at the theatre.

He was supposed to come. -Darling, he's totally happy for now.

Be glad for him, he's in love. The best feeling there is.

Are you ready?

Yes.

I don't have very good news for you.

The latest blood tests indicate that Maarten's condition is deteriorating.

Okay, guys.

Go ahead.

What exactly do you mean by that? -How much is it deteriorating?

A lot.

His condition has seriously worsened since the last blood test.

A period is starting in which his illness will cause increasingly more problems.

Maarten will be affected a lot more, which will manifest itself...

in extreme fatigue, weakening of his body.

He will suffer from extreme nausea, especially when he forgets his pills.

At a certain point he will have to use a wheelchair.

We actually hadn't expected Maarten to deteriorate so rapidly.

As you know, there still is no medicine against a metabolic disorder.

According to the prognosis, Maarten won't get older than 18, 19, maybe 20.

Remco. -Drop the curtain.

Move aside. Drop the curtain.

Hold his head up.

Call an ambulance. Maarten, Maarten. Breathe, breathe.

Breathe out.

All we can do is give him medication...

against the fatigue and nausea.

But that his muscle functions deteriorate...

is something we can't stop.

Yo Maart! Friday end of term party of the dance school!

Will you be able to come? Greetz Remco

So is it official between you now?

Well...

Just admit it. You definitely didn't mind coming to in her arms.

You should really stop that. It's fucking bad for you.

You can't even light it.

I need more practice.

You sound like Mom. -Why?

What does it matter as long as I enjoy it?

You want to enjoy life too, don't you?

Have fun, do nice things.

Yes. Yes, that's true.

Success.

Great that you're here. -I wouldn't have wanted to miss it.

I've talked to Remco. He says I can audition.

He sees that I've improved my flexibility and technique.

Maybe I'll get a chance one day. -Congratulations.

And you? -No.

So what's the matter?

Are you ill?

Yes.

For a long time already?

Yes.

Chronically.

But that doesn't mean our date for Friday is off.

Or that I'll drop dead on the spot.

Besides, I'm much too busy with other things.

Taking the final exams and other things.

Then I'll see you Friday.

Yes.

every year around 800 children are diagnosed with a metabolic disorder

more than half of these children die before their 18th birthday

I'm Nathan Rozendaal. I'm 15 years old and l have mitochondrial myopathy.

I'm Aaron. I'm 15 years old and l have ornithine deficiency.

I'm Iris van Oosterhout, I'm 13 years old...

and l have mitochondrial myopathy complex 1 deficiency.

I want to be a magistrate, but if no medicine is found, I'll die beforehand.

for information and support go to www.stofwisselkracht.nl