A Dutch romance film about a man and his beautiful wife fighting breast cancer is hitting local theaters later this month.

The film, titled “Stricken,” is an adaptation of celebrated Dutch author Ray Kluun’s novel of the same title. The writer wrote the 2003 novel based on his personal experience ― his wife Judith died of breast cancer in 2000, at the age of 36.

The movie follows the life of its protagonist, Stijn, who seems to have it all. He is an accomplished advertising executive who lives with his wife, Carmen, and their lovely little daughter, Luna.

He occasionally enjoys other women, but thinks of it as no big deal: His heart always belongs to his wife. But Stijn’s life is thrown into disarray when Carmen receives the devastating news that she has breast cancer.

Stijn decides to give Carmen his full care and support. He stays with her through her chemotherapy sessions, when her hair falls out, and after her mastectomy. The whole experience overwhelms both Carmen and Stjin.

The movie sees another turning point when Stjin meets Rose, who becomes his outlet from fear and sadness as his wife gets sicker. He soon falls deeply in love with Rose, which makes his life even more complicated.

The movie deals with difficult subject matters, including breast cancer and how fighting the disease ― including losing one’s hair and breasts ― affects one’s sense of identity as a woman. It is also noted for its nuanced exploration of the nature of human relationships, marriage, death, sexuality and lust.

The film won Best Film at the Netherlands Film Festival 2010 and Best Actress, Best Actor, Best Film and Best Film Song at the Rembrandt Awards in the same year. It also enjoyed enormous box office success in the Netherlands, grossing $13.5 million.

“Stricken,” to be released in Korea under the title “Carpe Diem,” hits local theaters here on June 27.

By Claire Lee (dyc@heraldcorp.com)