Max Havelaar: or, The Coffee Auctions of the Dutch Trading Company Poster

Max Havelaar: or, The Coffee Auctions of the Dutch Trading Company 1976

★ 6.217 votes170 min📅 1976-09-09

Dive into the intense drama *Max Havelaar: or, The Coffee Auctions of the Dutch Trading Company* (1976), directed by Fons Rademakers, a powerful exploration of idealism clashing with colonial reality.

Director: Fons Rademakers

Cast

Peter Faber
Peter Faber
Max Havelaar
Sacha Bulthuis
Sacha Bulthuis
Tine Havelaar
E.M. Adenan Soesilaningrat
Regent
Maruli Sitompul
Maruli Sitompul
Demang
Krijn ter Braak
Krijn ter Braak
Controller Verbrugge
Carl van der Plas
Resident
Rima Melati
Rima Melati
Mrs Slotering
Joop Admiraal
Joop Admiraal
Assistent Resident C.E. Pierre Slotering
Pitradjaja Burnama
Djaksa
Herry Lentho
Saïdjah

Frequently Asked Questions

What is *Max Havelaar: or, The Coffee Auctions of the Dutch Trading Company* (1976) about?

The film follows Max Havelaar, an idealistic Dutch colonial officer in 19th-century Indonesia, who strives to improve conditions for the local Javanese people—but his efforts lead to unexpected moral and political turmoil. His journey becomes a stark confrontation with the harsh realities of Dutch imperialism and personal disillusionment.

Who directed *Max Havelaar: or, The Coffee Auctions of the Dutch Trading Company*?

The film was directed by Fons Rademakers, a renowned Dutch filmmaker known for his socially conscious storytelling and cinematic adaptations of Dutch literature.

Who stars in *Max Havelaar: or, The Coffee Auctions of the Dutch Trading Company*?

The cast features Peter Faber in the lead role, supported by Sacha Bulthuis, E.M. Adenan Soesilaningrat, Maruli Sitompul, and Krijn ter Braak, delivering powerful performances that drive the film's emotional weight.

Is *Max Havelaar: or, The Coffee Auctions of the Dutch Trading Company* (1976) worth watching?

Absolutely, for fans of historical dramas and thought-provoking cinema, this film is a must-watch. Its gripping narrative, strong performances, and unflinching look at colonial exploitation make it a standout in Dutch film history. The three-hour runtime is justified by its immersive storytelling and relevance to modern discussions on power and justice.

How long is *Max Havelaar: or, The Coffee Auctions of the Dutch Trading Company*?

The runtime is 170 minutes (2 hours and 50 minutes), offering a deeply immersive experience into its historical and moral landscapes.

🎥 Trailer

About Max Havelaar (1976) — A Dutch Officer's Battle Against Colonial Injustice

Dive into the intense drama *Max Havelaar: or, The Coffee Auctions of the Dutch Trading Company* (1976), directed by Fons Rademakers, a powerful exploration of idealism clashing with colonial reality. The film follows a well-meaning Dutch officer stationed in 19th-century Indonesia, who arrives believing he can enact meaningful change for the local population. However, his noble intentions quickly unravel as he confronts the brutal realities of systemic oppression and bureaucratic indifference. With a gripping narrative woven through historical settings, the movie contrasts lush colonial landscapes with the harsh injustices faced by the Javanese people under Dutch rule.

Peter Faber stars as the titular Max Havelaar, his performance capturing the protagonist's growing disillusionment with searing intensity. Opposite him, Sacha Bulthuis delivers a standout role as his conflicted partner, while the supporting cast, including E.M. Adenan Soesilaningrat and Maruli Sitompul, bring depth to the story's themes of resistance and moral reckoning. A scathing critique of colonial injustice wrapped in sweeping historical drama, this Dutch classic remains as relevant as ever for its raw portrayal of power, privilege, and the cost of good intentions.