This movie is based on a Dutch short story by Belcampo that director Mike van Diem wanted to adapt for years after winning a Best Foreign Picture Academy Award for Character (1997). It was initially considered for production in the USA, with Scarlett Johansson showing interest in playing the female lead. However, van Diem wasn't convinced that Johansen could do comedy and couldn't come to an agreement with the intended producer, so he took the project back to his native country, the Netherlands.
Georgina Verbaan almost did not get the part of Anne because the German producers preferred a younger actress in the role. Mike van Diem, however, wanted her for the part, and got his way. Verbaan ended up winning a 'Gouden Kalf' for the role, the Dutch equivalent of an Oscar.