Dominique Standaert's Hop is not what can be expected. It is a weird cross between Day Night Day Night and The Sting. The cast is small but the story is large, and surprizing to see so quickly after 2001.
Kalomba Mbuy is Justin, a quick witted straight A student with a secret. Both he and his father (Ansou Diedhiou) are illegal immigrants. When his father is framed by some vicious and racist neighbors, Justin is forced to flee. It is then he meets Frans Missone (Jan Decleir) a retired anarchist who still has problems woth the law. He also meets Gerda (Antje de Boeck) the woman who loves Frans, and has for a long time. Both Frans and Gerda become Justin's parents and go out of their way to help his get his father back after he is deported.
What should be a stark, dark story is fun and fast paced from the first frame. Standaert films in black and white and it becomes a true canvas for the eyes. His framing and lighting recall still photographs not film. The story is a con. It is four characters playing the system to reach a goal. It is not a terrorist or anarchist story. The goal is hope, with a snicker.
The relationship between Frans and Justin is the soul of much of the story. Frans is tired and old and misses his revolutionary ways. He still has all the knowledge but is afraid to use it because of the past. He is grumpy and malcontent. The presense of Justin wakes up Frans to dream beyond the past minute. Justin also acts as a voice between Frans and Gerda.
Kalomba Mbuy plays Justin as clever and quick and smarter than everyone around him. He also gives him vulnerability and compassion. It is a strong role for such a young actor.
Hop is the punchline. When you understand what the joke is all you can do is laugh.