Foute vrienden

When filmmaker Roy Dames came to live in Amsterdam-Oost in the mid-1980s, he met a group of friends: Verbrande Herman, Rooie Jos, Jantje van Amsterdam and Dikke Bob. Their independence and intensity of living intrigued him. Lads living the good life. Hagglers, frauds, always involved in shady deals. For fifteen years, Dames followed and filmed their lives and sometimes existential male conversations. What is left of the swank, life in crime and their dreams? Herman had set his mind on a swingers' club, but mainly met with misery. Jos vainly aspires to a career as a musician and Jantje is involved in a complicated relationship. Meanwhile, Bob wrestles with an alcohol addiction and a depression. 'What should I do, mate? I've got no pattern.' Despite the calamities, the typical Amsterdam-style humour prevails. 'Bob and work? That's the shortest joke I've ever heard!' Dames is also personally involved. If need be, he helps them with nocturnal phone conversations or money.