| Overall Grade: |
A+ |
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| Story: |
A+ |
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| Acting: |
A+ |
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| Direction: |
A+ |
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| Visuals: |
A+ |
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An Instant Classic
by Roger (movies profile)
Jan 26, 2009
2
of
2 people found this review helpful
This movie is wonderful. I found myself (and the audience) caring about the lead characters. Essential as it was to the storyline, the horror portions of the movie do not dominate the movie's underlying message.
Oskar, bullied and alone, is slipping into a black world caused by the pain he endures from classmates who mercilessly abuse him at school. Though caring, his parents are distant. Oskar has nobody who will listen, who understands. Until Eli.
Caught in a world she does not want, Eli also is alone. Even the one person who knows her dark secret cannot relate to Eli's loneliness. Eli does not want to harm people but must or she will cease to exist. Eli cannot escape what she is, though she desperately wants to.
This movie will be especially appealing to those who have dealt with issues such as loneliness and being misunderstood. At one of my showings (yes, I saw it more than once, driving a good distance both times to watch it), an audience member cheered when Oskar stood up for himself. At the end I saw a few wiping tears from their eyes.
If these kinds of themes appeal to you, try to see it in the theater if it's in your area. The big screen impact will be worth it. Otherwise, the DVD comes out on March 10, 2009. This movie is going into my collection the day it's released. It's that good.
The direction is great and not overdone. After a somewhat loud beginning the musical score becomes more suttle, adding to this fantastic movie's appeal.
The acting, led by two unknown actors in their first major role, Kare Hedebrant and Lina Leandersson, is flawless. The lead actors bring a freshness and simplicity to roles that are much deeper than one realizes when watching the movie. Perfection.
I have no plans on seeing the USA remake. I can't see any remake coming close to how this movie impacted me.
Be careful, you may just find yourself immersed in this film and its suttle, yet deep message long after seeing it. I am. :) |
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