Låt den rätte komma in (2008), Tomas Alfredson
Let The Right One In
Oskar is a bright, but very meek, 12 year old. He is picked on mercilessly at school, and his home life is pretty disappointing as well. One day, a new kid named Eli moves into the apartment next to his. Although Eli is super mysterious and kinda funny smelling, Oskar feels an instant connection with her. Eli is very reluctant to form a friendship with Oskar, as she is not exactly what she appears to be. Although she looks like a 12 year old girl, Eli is actually a 200-year old vampire who used to be a boy named Elias- which means that Oskar has a life-changing choice to make.
I should probably explain a few things that will help you understand the film a bit more, as they are explained in the book but not fully acknowledged in the movie. Eli was castrated and turned into a vampire when he was a defenseless child during a satanic ritual. Eli is androgynous, and the love between Oskar and Eli is not of a sexual nature anyway. (I mean, they are only 12.) In the beginning of the film, Eli is shown as living with a man whom is clearly not her father. In the book, Håkan was a pedophile who had met Eli shortly before the story began. The relationship worked for both of them. He got to be close to a child, and the fact that she wasn't really a child helped his conscience. She got out of killing people herself, which is an emotionally harrowing experience for her, by simply making Håkan go out and collect it for her. I have read many people's complaints about not understanding these plot elements, so... you're welcome in advance.
I thought this movie was incredible. The story was just beautifully written; it will no doubt tug at your heartstrings. Anyone who has ever felt like an outsider will root for Oskar as he finds not only a kindred spirit, but the courage within himself to stand up for himself and take control of his life. This was both of the lead actors' first film, and I hope they both have long careers to look forward to after their surprisingly genuine work in LTROI. The atmosphere of the film was very dark, but not bleak in any way. It was actually rather positive and inspirational. I would even go as far as to say this is the greatest vampire movie I have ever seen in my life. Perhaps it's because it gives some dignity back to the, uh, noble(?) vampire. Vampires are a study in morality, and it's about time they started being portrayed as such.
There is supposedly an American remake slated for 2010. I cannot imagine how badly it will be butchered, so please, for the love of Henry Rollins, see the original! The remake is being directed by Matt Reeves, whose claim to fame as of now is Cloverfield. Blech. That probably means J.J. Abrams will be producing. I do love Mr. Abrams, so while I am interested, I think I'll pass. The idea of remaking a film before it is even a year old is absolutely preposterous. Why anyone would think they could improve upon the original is beyond me. Are we Americans honestly too lazy to read subtitles? Jesus.
Grade: A+
Let The Right One In
Oskar is a bright, but very meek, 12 year old. He is picked on mercilessly at school, and his home life is pretty disappointing as well. One day, a new kid named Eli moves into the apartment next to his. Although Eli is super mysterious and kinda funny smelling, Oskar feels an instant connection with her. Eli is very reluctant to form a friendship with Oskar, as she is not exactly what she appears to be. Although she looks like a 12 year old girl, Eli is actually a 200-year old vampire who used to be a boy named Elias- which means that Oskar has a life-changing choice to make.
I should probably explain a few things that will help you understand the film a bit more, as they are explained in the book but not fully acknowledged in the movie. Eli was castrated and turned into a vampire when he was a defenseless child during a satanic ritual. Eli is androgynous, and the love between Oskar and Eli is not of a sexual nature anyway. (I mean, they are only 12.) In the beginning of the film, Eli is shown as living with a man whom is clearly not her father. In the book, Håkan was a pedophile who had met Eli shortly before the story began. The relationship worked for both of them. He got to be close to a child, and the fact that she wasn't really a child helped his conscience. She got out of killing people herself, which is an emotionally harrowing experience for her, by simply making Håkan go out and collect it for her. I have read many people's complaints about not understanding these plot elements, so... you're welcome in advance.
I thought this movie was incredible. The story was just beautifully written; it will no doubt tug at your heartstrings. Anyone who has ever felt like an outsider will root for Oskar as he finds not only a kindred spirit, but the courage within himself to stand up for himself and take control of his life. This was both of the lead actors' first film, and I hope they both have long careers to look forward to after their surprisingly genuine work in LTROI. The atmosphere of the film was very dark, but not bleak in any way. It was actually rather positive and inspirational. I would even go as far as to say this is the greatest vampire movie I have ever seen in my life. Perhaps it's because it gives some dignity back to the, uh, noble(?) vampire. Vampires are a study in morality, and it's about time they started being portrayed as such.
There is supposedly an American remake slated for 2010. I cannot imagine how badly it will be butchered, so please, for the love of Henry Rollins, see the original! The remake is being directed by Matt Reeves, whose claim to fame as of now is Cloverfield. Blech. That probably means J.J. Abrams will be producing. I do love Mr. Abrams, so while I am interested, I think I'll pass. The idea of remaking a film before it is even a year old is absolutely preposterous. Why anyone would think they could improve upon the original is beyond me. Are we Americans honestly too lazy to read subtitles? Jesus.
Grade: A+
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