quote:

ORIGINAL: elab49

Isn't it odd how someone going completely over the top - hiya Mr Newman - can make you spend more time criticising a film you thought not half bad? Pan's Labyrinth and Spirit of the Beehive my aunt fanny.

In most ways a superior adaptation of a problematically paced book that sensibly dumps the paedophilia pretty much entirely (although it does make some of Hakan's motivations a little more difficult but they are relying, I think, on genre fans understanding of what an igor is - curious to rely so heavily on accepted tradition for a film some are trying to sell as stunning and unique, isn't it?).

While both central performances are highly creditable the major problem with the film is the lack of credibility in one of the key motivations for Oskar's character - casting a skinny pretty blond kid simply does not work into the bullying storyline in any way that makes it as compelling as the book. Indeed, it, and the film, almost eviscerates that most powerful part of the book, and I was sorry to see that.  

But I enjoyed it and it is well made, even of the changes have both improved and caused problems within the narrative. I'd also dispute uplifting - even with the alterations one can't escape the p(ossibility that Oskar has been groomed. But comparing it to 2 superior films that examined a difficulty period in Spanish history in spellbinding ways is simply hyperbole of the worst sort.

A solid 7/10

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ORIGINAL: Erizu

On the subject of Hakan, didn't you think *SPOILERS* the implication was 50 years down the line Oskar could be in Hakan's position?  My only problem with the film was the implication Eli was a boy.  I know in the book Eli was a boy who had been castrated, the shot we see in the film isn't needed and I assume was only included cater to those faithful to the source material.  It doesn't change anything in their relationship, and even if she was it just raises more questions than answers.

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ORIGINAL: Bickle

I watched this the other night. I did like it but I expected to love it. It was a beautiful looking film and the performances were great, however, I didn't really find any of it scary. There were some creepy parts but it seemed to just miss the mark for me. I also found it quite cold (no pun intended) and hard to relate to. It didn't remind me of any of the relationships I've had with androgynous vampires in the past.

6.5/10

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ORIGINAL: Neth

Out of interest, how many of you have picked up the Region 1 disc and based your review on that?

http://chud.com/articles/articles/18644/1/LET-THE-WRONG-SUBTITLES-IN/Page1.html

Apparently, the subtitles are fucked, missing whole chunks of text. I saw this at Frightfest last year, and loved it to pieces - however, I'm glad I held off picking up the Blu-ray from across the pond now.

quote:

ORIGINAL: elab49

Isn't it odd how someone going completely over the top - hiya Mr Newman - can make you spend more time criticising a film you thought not half bad? Pan's Labyrinth and Spirit of the Beehive my aunt fanny.

In most ways a superior adaptation of a problematically paced book that sensibly dumps the paedophilia pretty much entirely (although it does make some of Hakan's motivations a little more difficult but they are relying, I think, on genre fans understanding of what an igor is - curious to rely so heavily on accepted tradition for a film some are trying to sell as stunning and unique, isn't it?).

While both central performances are highly creditable the major problem with the film is the lack of credibility in one of the key motivations for Oskar's character - casting a skinny pretty blond kid simply does not work into the bullying storyline in any way that makes it as compelling as the book. Indeed, it, and the film, almost eviscerates that most powerful part of the book, and I was sorry to see that.  

But I enjoyed it and it is well made, even of the changes have both improved and caused problems within the narrative. I'd also dispute uplifting - even with the alterations one can't escape the possibility that Oskar has been groomed. But comparing it to 2 superior films that examined a difficulty period in Spanish history in spellbinding ways is simply hyperbole of the worst sort.

A solid 7/10

quote:

My only problem with the film was the implication Eli was a boy.  I know in the book Eli was a boy who had been castrated, the shot we see in the film isn't needed and I assume was only included cater to those faithful to the source material.  It doesn't change anything in their relationship, and even if she was it just raises more questions than answers.

quote:

ORIGINAL: maarkyj

The UK site is www.lettherightonein.co.uk

There's a free screening in Birmingham tonight if you want to go.

Please visit www.momentumscreenings.co.uk and put in code 15894LR

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maarkyj

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ORIGINAL: elab49

I admire your optimism. But apart from the issue that US remakes are generally atrocious - I'd have thought they were less likely to take a more daring approach to the material.