The Foundation of Criminal Excellence

All movie was based just on swearing. Everything else is just "amateur trying to make good movie" which is not unfortunately.

The Latvian heist movie made everyone laugh. Being honest, the cause of laughter possibly was the lively and uncensored language. On other hand, the jokes weren't weak as well. While watching the movie, even the introvert let the breath run through his nose a bit faster (I know since one of them was sitting next to me). Even though my humor is probably destroyed by internet, some of the jokes tickled even my funny bone. The story goes quite slowly but it didn't hurt the intrigue. TV screenwriter Imants has a great idea to try out everything he writes for a new TV show about thieves ('scuse me, tricksters). Meanwhile, his friend Harry wants to make something out of himself and earn a buck. What begins with stealing Pupsiks (a dog, which eventually makes its owner crazy) ends with Imants idea of becoming a criminal authority. I have to say the location scout did his job very well. Some of the places were perfect for recreating authentic feeling of the 90's. Cinematography was beautiful and the color scheme was nice to the eye. The actors were great for their roles and I have a feeling that we'll finally have our own movie actors (Latvia has a lot of theater actors but none of them usually fit the movie scene well). The only thing that was a bit out of place was the dubbing. Sometimes the voices weren't what you'd expect from a running person or while being in the interior of a speeding car. And the other thing - the rule of thirds exists for a reason. Even the sociopath laughed. That is a good sign that the movie was great.

It might be better to see the movie for yourself before reading any reviews or hearing spoilers. 9 stars might be a bit too generous, but these are unique circumstances considering its niche in movie industry. When a new Latvian movie pops up - most people I know - set their expectations really low. This movie is something different entirely (might not be for everyone). It seems polished and thought out - from smaller details like camera work and props to major things like acting, story, flow of dialogues. The movie gives an impression that there were actual professionals working on it. Acting felt very believable for the most part (some minor line deliveries here and there might have gained something from additional takes and direction or maybe some assurance - but that was mostly for one or two secondary or even tertiary characters). Usually with Latvian cinema - a lot of actors act like they are on a theater stage which rarely works in modern movies and feels overacted. Not this movie. The language is coarse, but it depicts quite realistically how some people talk and react to certain things. Every character seems likeable and like someone you can actually relate to. The script is surreal at times and funny throughout - dialogues are organic, the story itself - crazy, but believable, the way characters are introduced and developed - creative and quirky. And the story is quite unpredictable and full of surprises and twists. The whole nostalgia-exploitation works great - the props, the people, the setting. What is even more impressive - this movie was made through donations and crowdfunding. If I had to compare this to something else then I would say that watching this somewhat felt like I was watching something created by Coen brothers or Taika Waititi - in terms of approach to character interactions and some style similarities.

A superhit loved by local audiences, created on indie and crowd funding basis, the movie is among brightest stars in the postsoviet Baltic cinema sky. The events take place as if beyond time and place, narrative is latered and entertaining. All generations will find something adressing themselves in the thrilling adventures of naive and dark humoured knights of con-trickery.

In recent years Latvian filmmakers have not done a great job at creating interesting, charismatic, funny, and enjoyable films for the big screen. But finally, it has changed. "The Foundation of Criminal Excellence" in my opinion is the first successful comedy produced in Latvia's modern times. Here is why.

First of all, the plot was very dynamic, interesting and above all, they represent real-life events that are relatable for some viewers. Actions that take place in this film are convincing and nonfictional. The plot exceptionally well represents this mystical time of uncertainty and chaos like in the late 80s/90s. I'd like to point out that this film had a good balance between comedy(mostly dark comedy, which latvians enjoy) and action, but at the same time the plot offered multiple storylines that all are connected in the end. These storylines each have a fascinating character with different goals.

Second of all, the camerawork and cinematography were superb. I liked all the different camera angles and static shots where the main character in the scene is always in the picture's center. Also the coloring throughout the film was amazing, it gave a retro feeling and suited the film's theme quite well. The music fitted with all scenes and made the film's atmosphere more authentic.

Third of all, I appreciated the work of the actors in almost every scene. Despite them not being professionals all lines, dialogs and actions were convincing and natural. Although some of the lines were a little bit too saturated with curse words. But do not get me wrong, I think that curse words were a brilliant idea and it gave this film aliveness and reality, just in some places they were not necessary. The fiscal appearances and the voice of the actors matched each character. When watching this film, there was never a feeling that the actor isn't suited for that role. Also the props were convincing and represented that time perfectly.

I must point out, that when I was at the cinema to watch this film, it was the first time when all the people laughed really loud. This fact alone proves that this film is a masterpiece and a good achievement for Latvia.

I strongly suggest you to watch this film and that's why it scores 9/10.