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Posted By: Rockstarport at 11:23am, November 19, 2009
We begin with Oskar, a twelve year old boy living with his mother in a suburb of Stockholm. His parents are divorced and Oskar usually keeps to himself. He is constantly bullied by a group of kids at school and dreams of revenge. He collects newspaper clippings of murders, and violent crimes, while also carrying a knife with him. Although he never acts on these violent urges, it simmers just below the surface. Oskar’s interests are peaked with the arrival of new tenants that move into to an adjoining apartment. Eli is a girl that looks to be about Oskar’s age, while Haken is the older man that accompanies her. Oskar and Eli meet outside at a jungle gym a few nights, both seem interested in one another, but their conversations are short. Eli is always bare foot and underdressed for the weather but is never cold. Haken on the other hand packs up a case of curious objects and goes into the woods. After this scene we begin to see what Hakan does for Eli, he kills people and drains there blood for her consumption. Haken has to abandon his kill at the risk of being found out by some hikers and a very inquisitive dog. Eli is not pleased by this and must take matters into her own hands.
There is also a secondary storyline that involves a group of locals who are also interested in the new comers. They try talking to Haken in the local café, but he just brushes them off. Later that night as one of the drunken men walks under a bridge; Eli is able to get his attention by pleading for help. She then feeds on him and Haken discards the body. The real heart and soul of this movie is in the relationship between Eli and Oskar. You have to keep in mind throughout the movie that these are really twelve year old kids. Oskar is aware that Eli is different and doesn’t seem bothered by it. It only strengthens his curiosity. This really comes into play after Eli can’t stomach some candy Oskar gives her. As he hugs her she tells him “If I wasn’t a girl would you still like me?” Although he is not sure what she means, he doesn’t make a big deal of it. After another bully attack leaves Oskar with a bandage on his face; he shares his problem with Eli. She tells him to “hit back, hard.” Oskar does such a thing at an ice skating pond, during a school field trip. Oskar is punished, but has renewed self confidence.
We go back to Haken as he has a teen boy hung upside down in the school locker room. He is interrupted yet again by the boy’s friends. Haken does not want to be found out so he pours acid onto his face scaring him almost beyond recognition. Eli scales the hospital walls (in her Spider-Man scene) to Haken’s room. Feeling that he has failed her, he lets Eli feed on him before jumping to his death. It seems as if Eli has found a new protector and provider in Oskar, but is he really willing and able to do the job? I felt some of the scenes between Oskar and Eli where way above their age, although Eli was in reality over 200 years old. After Haken’s death she visits Oskar at his window and he invites her in. She then undress (off camera) and gets into bed with him. Oskar is surprised that she is so cold. There are no sexual implications with this scene, but it shows Eli’s growing trust and overall need for Oskar. In a further scene in the school basement Oskar makes an effort to become closer to Eli. He purposely cuts his hand in the old “blood brothers” routine. At the site of his blood Eli loses control and ends up licking the blood off the floor. Extremely embarrassed she asks him to leave. Eli then comes to Oskar’s place and lets him know “You have do invite me in” Oskar is defiant and asks “What if I don’t?” Eli takes a few steps inside and begins to bleed all over. Oskar freaks out and “invites her in.” The following scene is one of the more head scratching scenes of the movie. As Eli cleans her self up in the bathroom, Oskar hands her some fresh clothes and takes a peak while she’s charging and it’s revealed that Eli is neither male nor female.
As the locals start to suspect Eli in the death of their friend, one of the men breaks into her apartment and finds her asleep in the bathtub. Oskar comes over at just the right time and shouts “No”. This gives Eli the time she needs to pounce on the would be assassin. She tells Oskar that she has to leave town. In the mean time the bully from school has recruited his even more ruthless brother to get back at Oskar. In one of the films final scenes at the schools swimming pool; Oskar is told to either hold your breathe for three minutes or lose an eye. The brother grabs Oskar by the hair and holds him underwater. Oskar starts to loose his breathe and panic. There is an intense commotion up above and a severed head fall to the bottom of the pool. Oskar is released as the arm holding him also starts to fall to the bottom. Oskar jumps to the surface to see Eli has rescued him. Thus completing Eli’s full need and devotion.
Not Scary but very good.This was an innocent romance with a dark side.Brilliantly acted by the two main characters.Great plot, far superior to the lame ass Twilight series.No need for an American remake this was good enough to be left alone.Don't expect an action pack gore fest,Even though the ending pool scene was great and makes you only imagine how it went down above the water.Once again foreign horror shows an intelligent way to interpret the Vampire genre.
The movie was good, just not what I was expecting after reading and hearing about it. It seems to be like a kind of art film. Not very scary at all and the horror of it is so limited. The title given to this movie"greatest vampire movie ever" I do not agree.
Posted By: ABSINTHEKITTY at 8:28am, November 7, 2009
This film could easily be considered the best overall foreign film of 2009 In my opinion, it is the definitely the top horror film of 2009. It is tragic, arresting and disturbing. The setting- dim lit socialist-style Swedish housing projects- is the perfect background for a touching story of a young boy from a troubled background who falls in love with a young girl, who happens to be a vampire. It reminds me of a Gogol short story in its artful and fantastic handling of themes of basic humanity and love.
A true masterpiece and a really needed breathe of fresh air in the genre.
Posted By: xGrapeGanjax at 9:58am, November 1, 2009
This is the type of movie you will either love or hate. I loved this movie; I thought the characters were well developed and the cinematography was amazing. This is one of the most successful vampires movies I've seen in a long time.
Posted By: VeryEvilDead at 10:12am, October 11, 2009
Excellent movie. Bleak atmosphere, slow pace with a creepy feel. The violent sequences were simply awesome.
I've not seen the film as none of the DVDs I've found for sale included the preferred theatrical subtitles from Magnolia's second pressing. Anybody know how to go about getting this w/ the correct (rather than dumbed-down) subtitles?
one of my all time favorites! this is how a vampire movie should be. stays true to the formula unlike those sparkling vamps in Twilight. A must see!
Posted By: gyoung8312 at 11:21am, September 23, 2009
This is my first review on here so please bear with me! I watched this movie with my better half not quite sure what to expect. My better half proceeded to fall asleep in the first ten minutes!
I on the other hand did not, I was very intirgued by the way the story played out, quite surreal at times and not much action but there was something there to keep you watching. Which my wife will testify too after she woke up.
I cannot really comment on the actual acting skills of the personnel involved as the version I saw was dubbed over in English but the camera work, lighting and background settings were plain but effective. The most entertaining part of the movie in my opinion was the supposed transormation of the Blonde Lady and of course the finale.
All in all I and my wife enjoyed this movie .
For me, Let the Right One In lived up to the hype. And then some. I loved every minute of it!
But I do agree with the main reviewer here - "...this is a film you are either gonna love or just find kinda boring." I can see plenty of people put off by the pacing but this was an exquisite experience from beginning to end.
The fact that this is getting a remake is a bloody travesty. Seriously fucking senseless. But that's Hollywood for you...
Posted By: CountOrlok at 12:35am, September 12, 2009
Beautiful. Love this movie.
Posted By: Razor_Sharp at 5:01am, September 8, 2009
Boring movie. I've seen worse ones but still... It's a waste of time
Posted By: groundgamer at 5:53am, September 4, 2009
I, before this, never liked Subititled movies from abroad, but, after this, I have hunted out all of them, because Let The Right One In is a great horror movie. The simple plotted, vampire horror flick, with amazing, creepy acting. No one can deny this isn't a well made movie, because it is. The superb visuals, the gory special effects, the great scripted lines, Let The Right One In is one of my favourite movies of 2009 so far. Make more like this and the horror genre will not stop!
Every once in awhile you get a gem of a movie and this is one of them. Of course it won't appeal to everybody - no film does - but nobody can deny it is an extremely well made movie. Great performances from the cast with a well-written script based off the novel, superb cinematography, excellent sound design, pacing, and brilliantly conceived special effects.
It's actually made me want to read the book, which is more than I can say for most movies.
i did not like this movie at all. mostly because of the one scene where they show eli's privates. she's a twelve year old girl and i was appalled that they would go that far. it was unnecessary and bordering on child porn. i can enjoy movies without exposing children. it would have been fine had it been two adults, but it is never okay to make children be sexual, even in sweden.
An intriguing coming of age, vampire tale/drama with hints of horror thrown in. What I liked the most about this movie was the story and the unbreakable relationship between the young boy and girl, it will definitely draw you in and you won't want it to end. I thought the acting was believable and the filming was subtle and captured a chilly and grim atmosphere that was perfect for this vampire flick. I thought it was a little slow moving but it never bored me and once when you're really into the movie it ends, so I think they can possibly do a sequel. Overall it's a solid vampire tale that might disappoint gorehounds but if you like your movies story and character driven this one is probably for you, I for one liked it and I recommend it! I have to say that I'm not that mad that they are doing a remake of this movie because if they put the right people behind it they can easily improve upon it, lets just hope that they don't water it down and make it PG-13!
An inspiring story about young love that is truly unique. This film was a masterpiece on so many levels, it took my breath away. This is definitely one of those movies you cant wait to tell your friends and family about.
Maybe I'm twisted, but this whole film made me smile. It was like a bloody My Girl. Bleak scenery and a moody score replaced the usual coming-of-age discomfort found in this kind of movie. And the tenderness between Oskar and Eli was so masterfully conveyed juxtaposed with the violence and loneliness of her life.
A little stunning. The great lensing and score give the film a gripping, haunting atmosphere and the performances of the two youths are simply outstanding. One or two little hiccups left it just shy of a ten but it's as good a film as you'll see this year.
I am proud to be Swedish after enjoying this film. The acting is great, especially by our leading lady.
I had to watch the climax a few times to fully enjoy it. If anything, you have to see the climax!
Posted By: horrorbuff28 at 11:59am, August 1, 2009
this movie was quite astonishing.
Eli was incredible. she was so brutal yet so sweet and you dont catch that many times while watching a vampire movie.
if you are looking for a vapire movie, skip twilight and go for let the right one in because i guarantee you will enjoy watching this way more than twilight.
Wow. The best vampire film I've seen in a long time. You don't even have to be a fan of vampires to enjoy this. This Swedish film is definitely a breath of fresh air.
I was a little concerned in the begining .. thinking maybe it was heading into depressing teenage angst flick .. but i have to agree with WolfQueen, once it started getting interesting i was hooked ! A cool little gem of a flick !
I watched this movie last night and wasn't sure how it was going to go. It felt draggy for the first few minutes, but once I got into it, I was blown away. I didn't expect there to be so much emotion in a horror movie. It was fantastic!
OMG OMG OMG!!!!!! this was a good horror film! but that being said, i do have to say that it will be nothing more than good in my book....it is an amazing movie and i recommend this movie to anyone i see!
One of the most perfect films i think ive ever seen, with nearlly all movies there is something where i'll look and go " well they maybe could of changed this or altered that a bit" there is nothing with this movie everything about the movie is pure cinema perfection.
as far as the story goes i dont think ive ever been so moved the story was touching and moving and romantic i thought with these two charachters who so desperatly needed each other.
the direction and cinematography of the movie is just perfect enough said.
the only MINOR thing and i dont really accept this as a critique of the movie is the pace, yes there is a slow pace but i could not physically care less, i loved it for once i was treated like an adult watching a movie not like a 5 year old with an attention problem, i loved the director has the guts to just hold the shot and let everything unfold and didnt put in a cut every 2 seconds all power to him,
so to close do yourself a favour by pass twilight on the dvd shelf and head straight for this work of pure genius
Let the Right One In is the very 1st vampire movie I have seen that I loved. I enjoyed Blade 2, but didn't love it. This is truly mesmerizing. It's a real shame this is going to be remade. If you've seen this, I belive you know what to do when the remake comes out, right?? NOTHING.
Best thing about this film is that it proved that TWILIGHT sucks. If you've seen Twilight and Let the Right One In, and STILL think that Twilight was better... Then there is something seriously wrong with you.
A film like this comes along once in a lifetime. This is passionate film making at its best. These gifted young actors have a bright future ahead of them. This film doesn't use gore or cheap tricks to move the story along. It is very atmospheric and even creepy at times. There are no vampires flying around and fangs sticking out in this film. Even if you don't like vampire films, this is something to behold. I have it on dvd and blu-ray. One of the best films this year and on my all-time favorite list. Watch this film in the original Swedish language with subtitles; much better that way. Beneath the vampiric nature of this film is an awesome story with heart based on love and trust.
This movie was everything that I hoped it would be. I thought the story and the characters were incredible. I was moved by this film, and it has been a long time since a horror movie made me emotional at the end. Probably one of the best vampire movies that I have seen in a very long time. This movie doesn't have alot of gore, and it doesn't need it. There are so many other elements to the film that make it spectacular. Definently a must see for all vampire fans and fans of the horror genre, and for everyone who just wants to watch a great movie.
There is no point in talking about this movie more than I have to. It was amazing. I am extremely difficult to impress, but this movie did it. Great in every way.
I'm a vampire fan since...I know myself! But I was getting quite dissapointed. No Vampire movie would appear that could remember me why I liked vampires. Until this one.
Brilliantly shot, with an amazing cinematography and great actors. But the story...so tender and yet so gruesome. And, strangely, that relationship made perfect sense! And it doesn't fall in the error of being lame. It's just true. Besides, there are some pretty gorey and creepy scenes, if you'd ask me! Another great example of european horror.
And I must say, it brought me back the bug of the Vampires. As I didn't had for years
PS. I'm portuguese and, as film industry in my country is somewhat poor, pratically all the movies I watch are subtitled. And I really don't see the problem! I see here many people complaining about the fact that they saw this movie with subtitles and it cuts the thrill, yaddayaddayadda...It doesn't!!! My advise to you, guys, is that you must see more foreign language movies. The world doesn't spin at the sound of English. Not even the movie's world.
Excellent, excellent movie. I wasn't sure I was going to like this particular type of vampire film, but it was fantastic.
I'd also like to say to the few people claiming this movie was boring... you're all morons.
Now I know we all can have our own opinions about films and even I don't like a few horror movies that I'm suppose to love, but you'd really have to be a simpleton to find this movie boring.
I've been reading a lot of reviews for this movie and I keep wondering why so many people have missed the point- yes, it's a slow-paced movie because when you're just an average disenfranchised little boy who is bullied by schoolmates, the world is rather slow. Anyone remember those years? Not a lot of fun for me and it felt like it would never end. And then, from the ether, a friend. A friend who is weird and obviously an outcast, like the boy himself, a friend he can admit to his terrorized existence because she is both terror and terrorized.
The fact she is more human as a vampire than his classmates, who are real monsters and cowards, is of course brought about best in a slow, arctic crawl. No one moves fast when it's freezing.
a MASTERPIECE with all the letters
this movie is awesome
great actors (girl and boy)
and without a doubt one of the best vampire´s movie of all time
UNBELIEVABLE
PERFECT
ORIGINAL
CAUGHT MY SOUL
I don't want to sound ignorant or anything, but this movie didn't quite deliver for me. Don't get me wrong, it was well made, written and had real characters that actually felt for, but ultimately left me feeling a little empty. Like there should've been more going on or plot points were underdeveloped; just felt like it was missing something to succesfully reel me in.
This movie is freaken brilliant im telling you it is a must have for any movie collector. Brilliant character development. This is a genre breaking movie. This movie is not ment to be a mainstream movie. Yet it is appearently getting remade by the americans who will probably ruin it. This movie is named after a song by Morrisey "Let The Right one slide in". This is a must have movie that needs to be passed around to everyone. Even the critics on at the movies Lyons and Mankiewicz enjoyed this movie
Horror films should be entertaining, and this film is not entertaning. I'm sure it has it's moments but I couldn't get past the first 30 minutes without falling asleep from boredom.
The movie does move a tad slow, however i was never bored nor asked myslef, how much longer is this". The two kids to a great job. Worth watching for sure.
This is a great film. Interesting characters, interesting story, and interesting themes. Parts of the film made me uncomfortable and that is where the movie gets you. It is not scary per se, but the movie will remain with you long after the end titles come to a close.
This is a beautiful film. It is slow paced, but there are some great moments in it. It's the kind of movie that stays with you for a while after watching it. Definitely check it out.
This was a pretty good flick. Not as good as the hype, but when your only other option for Vampire movies are "Twilight" and "40 Days of Night" the sangrophage group is going to see this as a breath of fresh air.
The kid in the film, though not without drama, is a calculated killer. People are just tools for survival to her and that's the way any vampire who wants to live is going to think. The denouement of the film was an extremely cool scene.
One thing though, do not watch this film in the dubbed version. The voice acting is the worst I've seen since "Hercules goes to New York".
Not too bad, but boring at times. Should have had more back story for the main characters. I guess you have to read the book. Too many unanswered questions for a 2 hour long movie.
First off I loved the movie. I have never read the book so i"m not sure if it talks about the man who provides the blood for her. In the movie though it provided an opertunity for you to provide your own opinion. Depending on what you thought about that charachter your views on the whole movie could be completely different. If this was a boy who she met when he was young she sure doesnt seem to have the same affection for him that she shows for oskar. Perhaps she just sees vulnerability in Oskar and is using her friendship to lure him in to a lifetime of servatude. Thats what I saw. Not a sweet love story but a very crafty vampire that used her appearence to lure in an easy target. Great movie!!!!!! The setting of the film really provided an added deminsion too. Since this was a place that is so foreign to me, it made the seem more believable
This is a fantastic genre defying exercise in the horror genera. With its minimalistic approach and its brilliant pacing this movie offers more than just cheap scares. One of the greatest strengths this movie has is how visceral it feels. The movie offers a breath of fresh air to the horror genera, focusing more on story telling aspect and chilling settings rather than cheap thrills.
This cinematic gem is definitely a genre masterpiece and should be hailed as one as it is a great achievement. Showing that horror movies do not have to be dumb, gory flicks with not story to them.
Forget "Twilight"! This is what's going on in the world of vampires! This was a huge breath of nice fresh cold air! I embraced every aspect of this movie. It was cold, sweet, freaky, with odd-ball kid lovers, and left you wanting to see more of this beautiful thing. This is truly, from my twisted and happy heart, the best vampire movie ever made. My guess is that it will be awhile before there's another movie like this one, so love it, the way I did, and I'm sure you will too.
Very well told story. Not for someone looking for an action packed film or a gorefest. Definitely for someone looking for an interesting story and a different spin on the vampire films.
Let The Right One In was an amazing film. I don't think there should be a Hollywood remake though, it will probably be really bad. This is truely one of the best vampire movies I have ever seen.
I wouldn’t call this movie a horror film; however genre is irrelevant in this case. If you’re a die hard horror buff then be warned, this isn’t horror or a thriller.
With my little disclaimer out of the way let’s get to this. Let the Right One In is a beautiful film. I viewed the movie with English subtitles. This was the first feature I could actually read, follow and view at the same time. This was possible because the movie is slow. I think the pacing fits the mood and feel of the movie however it dose drag at times. This movie is about two hours long, about 30 minuets longer than it should. I think better editing could have chopped appropriate time from some parts. I understand that this movie was a book and I see the directors need to fit as much of the book in and I commend that. Most directors cut too much plot out, I think this hit the key points. That’s about all you can ask for. Translating pen and paper to audio and video is no small task.
I really enjoyed this movie. It was very solid from the shooting, effects and acting. All the kids in this film were amazing! I see no need for an American remake, why remake an already amazing flick?
-Zombie
If this movie is remade forget it crap is what it will be, I feel this was a slow movie and I was confused with some areas of it but it wasn't a typical type of vampire film. I hated how the English voices sounded I think it should of let the subtitles run instead. so if people are expecting gory and fast action this is not the one to see.
This movie was down right horrible. I was excited to see it and was completely shit on. This movie was soo fucking boring and and lacked anything actually appealing. i want my 2 hrs back! The only thing that was remotely good was the dude falling off the building or the ending scene. I recommend fast forwarding till the end..you'll save alot of time.
I loved the book and when i heard they were going to make a film of it i was thrilled. But i was really disapointed! There are so many important things that you don't get to know in the film. Things that makes whole story.
It's booring and slow and the acters are so bad. Im from sweden so i speak swedish and the way they talk are just embarasing. I wish i had never wasted the time to watch it. I hated it! The only good thing is the enviroment that it's shot in.
Great movie. I wish there was a sequel just to keep my interest going. If Hollywood insists on doing a remake they better not mess it up. They do it all the time so I am very worried. Watch this movie with an open mind and it will surprise you. Going to buy the book tomorrow!
beautifully shot, beautiful story, great acting, i love it. sure, it may not be as fast-paced as other horrors, but this is a vampire/love story. I really didn't expect to see a 2-hour bloodbath.
great movie, beautifully shot and amazingly acted. but DONT watched it dubbed, the voice over actors are horrible and it really took me out of the movie, i change to subtitles and it was a much better experience.
this movie was shot incredibly well and the mood was pretty somber throughout. some scenes were badass (bursting into flames and the pool scene) but i think i was expecting something a bit different from what i got. maybe thats why i didnt enjoy it as much as you guys. i thought it was good but i wouldnt call it the best vampire movie in decades...overall i recommend it but not too enthusiastically.
A great original film. Yes, I said original. I typically think vampires are incredibly lame. But this film was great. While watching this I couldn't see how they'd do an American remake of this film. A lot will be lost in the remake. Much like Rec was light years more effective than the big budget Quarantine disaster. Did anyone else see the resemblance of the villain's in this film to the bullies in A Christmas Story?
One of the best vampire movies ever made! It is more of a story mixed very well with some vampire horror and gore, the mood of this movie reminded me alot like how carrie was many years ago. Theres not alot out there better then let the right one in, this truly was an epic story of vampires.
This was one of the best vampire movies along with blade, interview, and 30 days. It's very slow going, so let that be known. But the scenes with Oskar and Eli are just so beautiful. The gore is placed along very nicely and comes when needed. And believe me when it's needed it's insane. I wasn't expecting some things. And I actually almost cried in some scenes. I hope Drew doesn't fuck this movie up when he remakes it. And I can't wait to see the other films in the 6 shooter series. Timecrimes, eden log, big man japan, special, and donkey punch, all look truly amazing too.
And everything was just so perfect in this movie. I watched the dubbed version because my TV was cutting off the words. It took awhile for me to get use to it, but I did, and it didn't take away from the movie at all. My only problem was that Oskar looked so much like a freakin girl. It was annoying me. But please see this movie. Even if your not a fan of vampire movies still see it. It has nothing to do with that. It's more of the love, and how far you'll go to be with that person.
All this isn't really a horror movie at all. It's more towards the drama field.
I really appreciated the ample amount of "gray" moral area in the narrative! Beautifully shot and the two lead actors are amazing (especially considering their age). This is what more horror SHOULD look like...please g-d, don't let this get remade by Americans as they are just too pansy-assed to do it right. amen. ;-)
just saw this movie. very good movie, it is also a quite movie. this movie is well thought out and well crafted. didn't turn out like i thought but that is okay
beautiful thats what this movie is, it sucks that there remaking it. every thing about it is awsome =]
just don't watch the trailer too much or it's going to give away alot of good scenes
The year 2008 can be labeled as the year of the vampire. By far the most popular entry into the genre has been Catherine Hardwicke's adaption of Stephenie Meyer's first installment of the Twilight series. Booming on HBO has been the new series True Blood, an adaption of Chatherine Harris' Southern Vampire series. Even the CW's underrated Supernatural has had a number of episodes dedicated to the phenomenon that is the vampire genre. Now comes a Swedish import titled Let the Right One In, and low and behold it's more significant, and more ground breaking than any of the products I have just put forth. It's a gem in the rough for the horror genre, and just about any movie that has come out this year.
Let the Right One In, an adaption of the John Ajivide Lindqvist novel of the same name, unfolds as a traditional coming of age story centered around the troubled 12 year old Oskar. Oskar's life seems as if it's a living hell. He's ignored, more or less, by his mother at home, his father doesn't seem to want him, and he's bullied at school on a timely basis. Sounds familiar? Here's where it takes a dramatic turn into the supernatural. Oskar soon befriends Eli, a 12 year old girl who just moved into the apartment next to his. Within a couple of conversations and a unique focal point surrounding a Rubik's cube, these two become quick best friends. However, little does Oskar know that the new pal he just made is none other than a blood drinking vampire who's been committing murders all over the town with the help of her loyal, but seemingly helpless father.
Tomas Alfredson does a terrific job of capturing the characterization of Eli and her father. At first, we see Eli sort of yelling and barking orders at her father for his incompetence regarding the collection of human blood. Should we be rooting for or against this character? But little by little we see a close father/daughter relationship unravel, and the film becomes even more thought provoking as it moves along. The horror segments are fast, taking your breath away as you witness this little 12 year old girl do unspeakable acts, breaking the innocence of our young 12 year old lead as he watches with horror and shock. Let the Right One In grounds itself in reality, echoing Del Toro's fantasy epic Pans Labyrinth which broke the ground for fantasy/fairy tale films for the rest of time. The horror segments are to be taken serious because of this quality trait Alfredson decided to adopt.
The acting here is top-notch, with Lina Leandersson giving the best performance as the young vampire Eli. Solid performances from the rest of cast bumps the film's reality trait into the upper stratosphere, exceeding expectations in my book. The cinematography and score is literally chilling, set against the backdrop of a wintry Blackeberg. Their has been a little debate over the film's ending by some of the few haters behind the film. I believe the ending to be extremely thought provoking, glancing back at the films various themes.
The sweet childhood relationship put forth echoes back to a fantasy film I love called Bridge to Terabithia. Though Bridge isn't as adult oriented or ground-breaking, the relationship between the two leads are quite similar. In this vampire film, Oskar is given helpful advice by Eli, making him mature and grow up right before our eyes. Eli, dealing with immense issues of her own, gives Oskar the opportunity of a lifetime..to have a friend. In Bridge, Leslie does the same for Jess, minus the blood sucking and mass genocide of course. I encourage everyone reading this review to visit Bridge to Terabithia or revisit it. They're of different genres but the relationship between the two films' leads provides a touching tale of coming of age and haunting life realities.
On a side note I can't help but notice how terrific films have been when they center around children dealing with real issues and adult oriented themes. In 2007 we saw Bridge to Terabithia touch screens, displaying natural performances grounded in reality and fantasy. Mean Creek is another film that comes to my mind that deals with adolescent kids coming of age as they try to cope with an unspeakable crime they themselves have committed. And finally, this year's WALL-E, though not centered around kids but a robot, shoots for a children demographic but to my surprise and to everyone else, excels into masterpiece territory touching delicate themes like consumerism, materialism, and environmentalism. Let the Right One In, shining through a sweet, yet horrifying relationship between a 12 year old boy and a 12 year old vampire girl, is undoubtedly one of the best films of 2008.
Posted By: kaufmanfan at 12:48am, November 23, 2008
one of the best movies of the year
Posted By: thedescent08 at 3:46pm, November 17, 2008
I was a little let down by the film. To be fair I read the novel first, so going into the movie I was expecting a lot, and obviously it wouldn't be possible to put every detail into the movie. However, I believe there were some key details left out. I don't want to give out any spoilers but there are some very important items that are never addressed, and even other characters who play a pretty big part in the novel that are never introducded.
In the novel the "father" figure plays a much more crucial role, and I believe that it should have been part of the film, because it adds more tension and suspense near the climax. Since it is never answered in the movie I don't think this is a spoiler, but Eli's "father" figure isn't her dad. He's actually a pedophile. In return for getting blood, Eli let's him feel touch her.
Even though I think it is missing a lot of key elements, I still think the acting was very well down, especially for children. There were also a few pretty cool scenes like the hospital and the cats.
It's certainly worth a watch, but if you want a better story with more action and answers read the book.
holy crap!! this is the greatest vampire movie ever. If you haven't seen this one yet then you need to find it a.s.a.p!! because your missing out!
Posted By: KingOfHorror at 8:00pm, November 11, 2008
The Best New Vampire Movie I,ve seen in Ages! Eli and Oscar give mindblowing performances! But have to say cat attack scene is my Favorite! Yes its subtitled but it adds to films mysterious feel! Ending seems set up for sequel hopefully makes money on this original! So next one will have bigger budget! Simply Fantastic!
Great movie. One of the best vampire movies ive ever seen. I never thought little kid actors could give such a great performance. If you dont like reading subtitles then dont bother. Awesome movie. It was like you were watching a moving piece of art.
Posted By: turtlenipple at 7:12am, November 10, 2008
Fucking beautiful is all you can really say. This is a bleak and beautiful film.
The way they portrayed what happens when a vampire walks in uninvited was amazing.
I usually really dislike child actors but these youngens seemed to just right.
A brilliant vampire film. It's exactly the kind of movie that Stephanie Meyers fans would love if Stephanie Meyers fans were ever smart enough to explore intelligent vampire cinema.
this is a great movie. I don't want to go into details, just watch it and you will simply enjoy it.
***spoiler***
I agree with navyblues's opinion concerning the guy who provides blood for Eli. It can be a guy, who fell in love with her. I've got to check out the book, maybe it does shed some light on this fact.
***end of spoiler***
all in all, one of the best movies of 2008
Posted By: dherna7704 at 11:32pm, November 7, 2008
i really loved this movie. i saw it last night and it has stuck with me all day. an interesting thought though:
most reviewers and synopsis writers are calling the ill fated old man/killer Eli's father. i don't know that it ever, in fact, identifies him as such.
*kind of a spoiler*
Eli says she's been "12 for a really long time". i'd me more inclined to think, and i think the films suggests, that this is perhaps another boy who fell in love with Eli a long time ago and, as he protected and provided for her, grew old as she stayed young. that's just the impression that i got, which really makes the story even sadder. thoughts?
Posted By: gaz46andtwo at 12:03am, November 4, 2008
I really liked this movie!! Very well done!! It was almost refreshing....
Going to see it tonight, cant wait! I'm glad we have time to spend at the movies whil we're out here in California. They aren't playing it in arizon =/
