Call Girl

Here's something different. Interesting and intriguing drama told from fact, about some juvie hotties who were used for the sexual pleasure older perverts of high ranking society, some politicians, etc, one finding himself in a corner. Some of them are so repellent as are some of the the older sex workers, you wouldn't touch with a nine foot pole. Callgirl indeed has some strong moments, ones of pure intensity as it builds to a climax of unexpected revolutions, of revolving doors for the characters, where the baddies get away with it, and our two young teens are back in the squalor. Some of the scenes involving girls looking particularly young, 14-15, undressing and being fondled, I'm amazed the filmmaker got away with it. But nonetheless, this is an engrossing film, one of those that become more involving the further it progresses. The film recounts all the hours of phone tapping, bugging the operators and clientele of this racket, with pretty much the same hopeless result as what happened in Traffic. This is one of the best film I've seen in ages, with a story that needs to be told in a film that needs to be seen.

'Call Girl' premiered in the UK yesterday at the Edinburgh International Film Festival and earnt its inclusion with a clever narrative, great casting and an outstanding performance from Pernilla August.

August's portrayal of Dagmar Glans, or the real-life Doris Hope, was remarkably accomplished. Her interactions with the girls, police and politicians of 70's Sweden were entirely convincing. She is at once powerful and repulsive and cannot be ignored.

The film provides social and political context through multiple narratives that allow the audience to glimpse the story from the point of view of the girls, their guardians, Glans, the secret service and the politicians in equal measure.

The clever casting of a wide array of politicians allows the film to show both an intimate and distant side to their world. They are effectively juxtaposed with the girls that they use and, through this, come across to the audience as powerful, feared but flawed characters.

The soundtrack and wardrobe are also worthy of a positive mention.

For me 'Call Girl' is less enjoyable due to some exaggerated acting and plot jumps.

The representation of Simon J Berger's policeman 'hero' is exaggerated. His actions are enough for the audience to understand his noble intentions and his abrasive style. There is no need for the added swagger, the punch and the rock-star dress-sense that is bolted-on to this character.

The change which comes about in the friendship between Iris and Sonja is acted out unconvincingly by Sofia Karemyr and Josefin Asplund.

Also, the sequence at the beginning of the film which shows the press officer in Sandberg's office might confuse viewers. Instead the action could cut directly from the introductory TV interview to Iris and her mother.

This film taught and engaged me and I would highly recommend it. If you enjoyed this movie you may also like 'Shame' (2011).

A Swedish semi adult-drama inspired by the real story of country's corruption and scandal during the time woman's liberation and the sexual revolution. It also went through controversy before hitting the screen. The story is set in the backdrop of the 1976 general election which centers around two troubled teenage girls Iris and Sonja. They are sent to live in a juvenile home, in the night time they begin to explore the city with other girls from the institution. Then they meet a woman called Dagmar who introduce them into the all new world. Like the German movie 'The Lives of Others' a young police officer named Sandberg is assigned to comb the taped phone calls, only for the formality. As he goes deeper into it becomes bigger, he cross-connects which crack loose everything to hit him back.

The movie might be about prostitution but it had less nude scenes which come occasionally. That mean you should not consider it is suitable for all age group. But good for the movie fans from different category who are willing to know the true incident than witnessing sexual side of the tale. It also indicates the struggle of underage girl's without proper guidance in the society. More like the country's security system was flawed. Especially the character Iris' run away at the end tells how safe it was for women in those times.

The filmmakers brought the real atmosphere of 70s. I think it was the perfect cast and their performances. Overall it was a nice movie which throws some lights on the truth about illegal activities and underage prostitution and also dragging the powerful names. Yeah, you must see this movie to know all these in picture than expecting some erotic.

7/10

CALL GIRL is one of those slow and sombre Scandinavian productions that's all about the slow burn. It tells the true story of a scandalous call girl ring running in Sweden in the 1970s in which underage girls were procured for leading politicians of the era. Names have been changed but the viewer nonetheless comes away with some idea of the corruption inherent during the era, and of course we all know that most countries have their own skeletons in the closet from that decade.

As a film, CALL GIRL doesn't really excite or involve the viewer too much, although it's certainly very well made and beautifully directed in places. The subject matter is racy but somehow never sleazy; there's a classy slickness to the production that veers on the right side of taste. Saying that, there's still a heck of a lot of nudity from the young women involved, so it's not going to be for all tastes. The acting is of a generally realistic standard, too. My main issue is with the overlong running time; at least half the has elapsed before the story begins for real with the police investigation and some efficient pruning could have turned this into something really remarkable.

A lifeless screenplay makes this ambitious film-project to wreck completely. A true story with all the right ingredients. Olof Palme, the minister of justice Lennart Geijer, Jane Fonda, sex with minors... A major political scandal, swept under the thick Swedish democratic rug. Storytelling turned into a tepid recitation of facts and participants. Very close to the updated version of the book "Bordellhärvan" by Deanne Rauscher, Gösta Elmquist, and Janne Mattsson (Pocketförlaget 2012). As some of you already pointed out, a remarkable tour de force of the "Call Girl" art department. Regarding the locations, most of them are negligent/ignorant choices. A 1976 costume in a Stockholm 2011. The film is stuffed with good distinctive Scandinavian actors. Most of them lost in a sprawling storyline. However, Pernilla August is truly magnificent. A lifeboat in an ocean full of good purposes.