The Mill and the Cross

Rutger Hauer, Charlotte Rampling, Michael York. The Mill and the Cross recreates one the great masterpieces of painting, Pieter Bruegel the Elder’s, The Way to Calvary. The daily life of 16th century Flanders is rendered with astounding detail, from the routine of the windmill caretaker to the crusading Spanish militia, who abuse Protestants with brutally violent tactics. Hauer stars as Bruegel, touring inside his own canvas and discussing the origin of his work while his wealthy patron, Nicolaes Jonghelinck, bemoans the state of his disintegrating country. 2011/color/97 min/NR/widescreen.