The gem, so far, in this season's viewing is "Let The Right One In" (2008). I've been wanting to watch it for what seems ages, but decided to hold off for this year's countdown. This is an absolutely beautiful movie and I can't recommend it enough.
Oskar (Kare Hedebrant), a bullied 12-year old boy finds salvation, and friendship in the seemingly 12-year old girl, Eli (Lina Leanersson) who moves in next door. Part pre-pubescent coming of age tale, as Oskar develops a heavy crush on Eli with whom he can never have a romantic relationship, and part horror movie as vampire, Eli does what she needs to to exist. Interestingly, the movie really is more of the former, than the latter. While there is plenty of blood, and Eli's interaction with others ends with horrible results for the others, I never looked at Eli as a monster, though she clearly is one. This is an interesting relationship story with a lot of depth to it, and both young leads are excellent.
5 comments:
I agree - this is an excellent, excellent film. There are so many layers and interpretations - I've discussed this movie with two other people - who got different things out of it than I (and each other)did - and who both also loved it. Sorry to say that someone in the US is now remaking it....
Yeah, I don't know why I waited as long as I did to see this flick. It was so refreshing in the midst of the current trends in movie making to see something that was quiet and gave itself so much room to breathe. I also love how it wears a lot of it's vastly different influences on its sleeve, from the Shinning to Re-animator. There's even a little bit of Sleepaway Camp in there too.
The best things about remakes, is we aren't required to watch them. I can only hope that at least a few people who see the remake will be inspired to see the real thing.
I'm sure the American version will have a different title , "cooler" self-aware teens, and a pop music soundtrack over every scene. Which reminds me, one of my favorite moments in the movie was where Oskar was dancing around his apartment and Eli entered, smiled, and briefly started bopping her head to the music, letting her inner 12 year old surface for a moment.
I cannot recommend this movie enough. I was taken to this movie because my husband made my Halloween so miserable. I went in not knowing what we were going to see & was completely taken aback by the story & the mood of the film. Not since "The Shinning" has the sound of snow been so ominous & frighting. Such a tender & heartfelt film, a feeling of awe that remained for days afterward.
FYI - Anyone in/visiting San Francisco October 28th/29th the Red Vic Movie House on Haight Street will be presenting this film
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