Dragonfly

Øyenstikker is a stick in the eye of big budget films.

An edge-of-the-seat thriller that delves deep into the dilemma of blind loyalty and how long that loyalty can last as it threatens to destroy all around you.

An ex-con stumbles across a long-lost, but not forgotten, partner-in-crime. As the chance encounter turns into a night of celebrated reunion "after 5 years....without even a visit", the subtle hints of debts unpaid begins to unravel in a sinister, yet, compelling fashion as Øyenstikker brilliantly contrasts the calmness and idyllic backdrop of the Norwegian countryside with the dark undertones of unbridled jealousy and bitterness.

If you liked Fargo you'll love this gem.

"Dragonfly" is a superbly acted Norwegian film that works at many levels. Ultimately its message is that we can only overcome feelings of anger, resentment, etc., by making changes within ourselves, not by trying to change other people's lives. If however you are not in the mood for introspection it still works well as a simple story. The characters are very real, and I find it hard to believe that they do not exist somewhere in Norway, which is always a sign of a good film.

I cannot however agree with the recommendation "If you like this title, we also recommend. What Lies Beneath", the two films could hardly be more different.

I saw this film at the 2002 Chicago International Film Festival. I really enjoyed the film as I was (and still am) completely mesmerized by Maria Bonnevie. Holst's use of digital video really captured how beautiful she truly is. She isn't the only good thing about this movie though. The relationship between Eddie and Kullman is rather interesting. After having spent time in jail and taking the rap for Eddie, Kullman sees Eddie at a gas station. From there, things can only go downhill. Kullman wants Eddie to help him shake some guy down that owes him money. Eddie refuses until he gets sick and hallucinates (?) that Kullman and his wife Maria are screwing around on him. Eddie, who may once have been a thug, seems to have changed. He takes a neighborhood kid fishing and tries to teach him to swim. He has changed from his previous life. This all coincides with Maria becoming pregnant. I do have to say that the scene where they go to shake the man down was a little disappointing and anticlimactic. Nonetheless, it was an interesting way to show how old ghosts come back to haunt you. I gave this film an 8 and would highly suggest it to anyone. If anyone knows how to get a copy of this in any form here in the States please post it because I would love to own a copy.

I saw this film at the 2002 Vancouver International Film Festival, mainly because I wanted to see if it could transcend the typical limitations of a low-budget thriller. Well, it does. . . and it doesn't. The director gets great performances from his three main actors, and he crafts his material with a strong visual eye. But the story laps into incoherence about half-way through, and it fails to deliver an emotionally satisfying ending. Close, but not close enough.

Wonderful pictures, attention to detail, and very talented actors. It's a shame that the story is too slow without any actual release. After an initial comment by Mikael Persbrandt's character I personally kept waiting for "something bad" to happen all through the movie.

In the time-honored tradition of Scandinavian drama there will be shouting and full frontal nudity. Typical "wannabe serious moviegoer's" favorite, 4/10.