This is a sad film. The conclusion indicates that it was based on a number of orphanages in Denmark and you could sense that certain acts and situations arose from real life stories.
The actor playing the headmaster gave a powerhouse performance that swells the viewer with hatred and disdain for him. The sympathetic female teacher was also played with stunning dramatic effect. The two boys seemed fairly young, but managed to carry the intensity and sorrow of the film with amazing maturity and brilliant execution.
This is hardly a film for casual Friday night viewing. It is about two brothers who are sent to a home for boys because their very sick mother is unable to care for them. Within the home, they experience violent and cold abuse from both teachers and friends. It is so sad to think that such an era really existed (and probably still does in some parts of the world).
It's the sort of film that deserves critical acclaim and awards. The sorrow arising from the film will stay with me for some time.
