LET THE RIGHT ONE IN (2008)
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CAST:
Kåre Hedebrant (IMDB)
Lina Leandersson (IMDB)
Per Ragnar (IMDB)
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DIRECTOR:
Tomas Alfredson (IMDB)
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SYNOPSIS:
Based on the 2004 vampire fiction novel by Swedish writer John Ajvide Lindqvist. Oskar (Hedebrant), a shy, introverted 12 year-old boy, is fed up with being used as the school punching bag, but just can’t seem to figure out a way to avoid it.
When he comes across the new tenant in his building complex, Eli (Leandersson), he can’t help but seem to notice something is different about her. As their friendship progresses, Oskar soon learns about his new friends secret and will stop at nothing to protect her just as she has protected him.
(RATED-R)
-SiouXin (me)
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I couldn’t even type the dozens of awards this film has won but here are a couple big ones:
- Official Selection, Narrative & Foreign Picture Winner @ Tribeca Film Festival
- Best Picture, Best European/North — South American Film, Best Director & Best Photography @ Fant-Asia Film Festival
- Best Foreign Language Film, Best Screenplay, Adapted, Breakthrough Filmmaker & Breakthrough Performance Female (Lina Leandersson) @ Film Critics Awards
- #199 on list of 250 of the Top Rated Films on IMDB.com
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MY REVIEW:
This is what a vampire movie is all about.
- NO SPARKLES
(Guidos aren’t tempted to make bedazzled shirts from the vampires in this movie)
- NO EATING JUST ANIMALS
(the vampires in this flick aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty and eat a freaking human being or two)
- No WEREWOLVES
(although i wouldn’t mind seeing Mr. Lautner make an appearance or two, werewolves are a no show at this bloodfest)
- NO PRETTY BOYS THAT CAN ONLY EMIT ONE EMOTION
(There are no disney channel, J-14 pin-up boys in this movie. All actor were hired because of their ability not because they look good on bed sheets and lunch boxes)
- NO TEENY BOPPER VOTED AWARDS WON HERE
(the dozens of prestigious awards won by this film didn’t require any one getting slimed)
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OK, GOOD! I think I got it out of my system…
This movie was sooooooooooooooooooooooo good. The acting ability between the two young actors was quite impressive. The story was original with depth and substance that moved you to the point where some may shed a tear or two. (what vampire movie can do that?) You feel for both the characters whole-heartedly and want both to become successful in there struggles.
It shows vampires the way we were all brought up to love:
- They kill to survive; no matter how brutal it may have to be.
(even if they don’t want to)
- They must be invited in order to enter your house
(no climbing through a window watching you sleep bullshit)
- They can’t be in the sunlight
(or THEY DIE, not SPARKLE like a disco ball in Johnny Weir’s bedroom)
and
- They are required to have a “Igor” type caretaker to help them survive.
(I guess i didn’t get it all out… sorry)
The setting where this film took place, Switzerland, had character and feeling to it. You felt as though you were standing outside in the snow freezing your butt off along with them. You felt the cold and empty loneliness that was both Eli and Oscar as well as the bond they both shared. This movie was not only a vampire/horror movie; it has romance, it has drama, it has everything a quality film should have.
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The only thing that hurt this movie when it came down to being successful in the US, was the language barrier. Why do AMERICANS hate foreign language films? Did we not get educations? Are there really that many people out there who can’t read subtitles. I can understand how it may be a distraction to some, but come on. Avoiding a movie just because it requires a little extra effort to watch is stupid.
Unfortunately, because of the yearn for more “simplicity” when doing one of the most laziest activities we as humans can do, has caused the US to do a remake of the film (set for release sometime this year). This Americanized version will be successful, but unfortunately, us Americans, not the Swiss, will be the bread winners in this.
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WARNING: Movie includes blood, gore and violence involving children… so if you can’t stand to see a little girl rip someones head off (i don’t think that happens in the film), want to see fugly guys play vampires that watch you when you sleep or want shampoo with the main characters face on the bottle… …this movie is not for you.
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You can view it for Free HERE or HERE
**Both films are in Swedish with English Subtitles.**
**If you want a copy of the English Dubbed one let me know and i’ll see if I can get it.**
Please let me know what you thought of the movie or send me some movie suggestions & questions HERE
- February 19
- , 2010
