BEN X in Dutch translates to “I am nothing”.  The story of BEN X centers on a bullied teen called Ben (Greg Timmermans) who has autism.  Trouble with being beaten up and ridiculed has Ben entering his own world of Archlord, the computer game where he conquers all by training and violently fighting his foes.

Writer/director Balthazar is sympathetic with his autistic hero.  Often, Balthazar goes into his mind as well as into his world of video games.  What is most sad is observing the bravery his mother (Marijke Pinoy) goes through to help her son.  What would be more interesting too is to see more of what his younger brother thinks of all of what is happening to the family.  The sympathy of the class teacher is moving, but it seems Balthazar could have done more with teacher’s role.  But coping in Ben’s own way is perhaps the most effective way out of the troubles.  It is fortunate that Balthazar concentrates on this way out – in his search for his romantic interest, in the form of on-line game player Scarlite (Laura Verlinden).

The film is neither violent nor brutal.  It could have easily fallen into CARRIE territory where revenge is the theme and end result.  Balthazar concentrates instead on the coping and mental suffering of bullying on both Ben and his close ones.

During the press screening, one reel was played upside down backwards.  Ugh!  Those present were forced to sit through the gruelling process before they replayed it – the most essential reel and therefore a necessity, the publicist claimed.  While the irritating sounds and images went through my mind, I felt particularly afflicted with what would be suffered (though I bet though of no comparison) with the pains of autism.  By the end reel, writer/director Balthazar’s film surely hit the point home.  It would be simpler for him to peg on a dab ending but he dished out a realistic and happy one for his dear long-suffering protagonist. 

The ads on the poster quips: “L’important … C’est le courage!” I bet it took quite a bit to have this serious film based on a computer game to be made.  BEN X was Belgium’s Oscar entry to this year’s Best Foreign Film.  Otherwise, it would probably never have picked up a commercial release in North America.  The film also won the Montreal Film Festival award for most popular film.  Difficult at times to watch, BEN X is nevertheless a well made film that is definitely worth a viewing.