Erik Goossens

The movie follows the turbulent life of Wortel, a deeply devout yet flawed Flemish farmer at the turn of the 20th century. Wortel has an intense bond with his land, but his life is defined by a relentless series of tragic hardships.Throughout his journey, Wortel faces the loss of multiple children, the suicide of his son, and the heartbreaking deaths of his wives, Fien and Frisine. Despite these devastating misfortunes, he is constantly urged by the local village priest to accept this suffering as part of God's grand plan. Mixing heavy melodrama with moments of dark, bittersweet humor, the film portrays Wortel’s fierce survival instinct, human weaknesses, and ultimate search for solace through his faith and hard labor.

A batch of bottles of gold liqueur (also known as Bruidstranen) containing the original drink mixed with clandestinely distilled, toxic methyl alcohol is put on the market. One bottle is purchased by a couple on their way to a wedding party. During the wedding, the television in the kitchen next to the reception hall is showing images of the port of Antwerp, where three sailors have died after drinking from a bottle of gold liqueur. The police launch a manhunt for the perpetrators and the remains of the batch.