As a film student, and sort of a film prude it becomes difficult for me to find movies that really spark my interest. I've grown quite tired of the majority of Hollywood films and like to dip into the international buffet of movies once and awhile. This film truly reminded me why I love foreign films.
In aspect of the screenplay, it was based off a book written in 1981 that was roughly based on someone's real life experiences with institutionalized violence. The movie has reviews that claim it to be "Fight Club in a boarding school." I couldn't disagree with that statement more. There may be a few resemblances, but this story can't possibly be compared to anything else. It has so many different plot lines that need to be examined by the view themselves. Between Erik and Pierre's friendship, Otto Silverhielm's true evil spirit, or a deep film-noir inspired look at Erik's motives behind his rash behaviors.
The story aside, looking at this film purely as a film; it still stands out. The shot selection is purely superb and Mikael Hafstrom deserves to be recognized as an artist. One scene in particular stands out as Silverhielm humiliates Erik in the dining hall. As Erik leaves, and is being alienated from the school itself, there is a long tracking shot following him as he walks out of the dining hall. He is in perfect focus while everyone else in the scene is out of the depth of field. The viewer is taken along with Erik as he takes the uncomfortable and embarrassing walk out of dining hall. This visual language makes the film stand on its own, and allows one to understand what is going on whether or not they have the subtitles turned on.
Overall the film is truly a beautiful work of art that reminds myself of why I came to love films in the first place. It is visually stunning and tugs at your heart strings while making you think about morality and motivations. In my book, it's a must see.
In aspect of the screenplay, it was based off a book written in 1981 that was roughly based on someone's real life experiences with institutionalized violence. The movie has reviews that claim it to be "Fight Club in a boarding school." I couldn't disagree with that statement more. There may be a few resemblances, but this story can't possibly be compared to anything else. It has so many different plot lines that need to be examined by the view themselves. Between Erik and Pierre's friendship, Otto Silverhielm's true evil spirit, or a deep film-noir inspired look at Erik's motives behind his rash behaviors.
The story aside, looking at this film purely as a film; it still stands out. The shot selection is purely superb and Mikael Hafstrom deserves to be recognized as an artist. One scene in particular stands out as Silverhielm humiliates Erik in the dining hall. As Erik leaves, and is being alienated from the school itself, there is a long tracking shot following him as he walks out of the dining hall. He is in perfect focus while everyone else in the scene is out of the depth of field. The viewer is taken along with Erik as he takes the uncomfortable and embarrassing walk out of dining hall. This visual language makes the film stand on its own, and allows one to understand what is going on whether or not they have the subtitles turned on.
Overall the film is truly a beautiful work of art that reminds myself of why I came to love films in the first place. It is visually stunning and tugs at your heart strings while making you think about morality and motivations. In my book, it's a must see.