It is unfortunate that ONDSKAN ("EVIL") came out when it did, as it was narrowly beaten out for the Oscar for Best Foreign Film because it was up against one of the best films in that category that's so far been seen. THE BARBARIAN INVASIONS is a stunning film, but in most other years I think that ONDSKAN would have taken the prize--it was that good a movie.
One of the big reasons I was so excited to see this film is that it rarely took the anticipated route--often surprising me because of its intelligently written script. When the film begins, the viewer naturally thinks the evil mentioned in the title is the lead character, Erik. After all, he appears to be a sociopathic sadist as you see him beating a fellow classmate and showing no remorse whatsoever as he's expelled from public school. I hated Erik and I am sure practically everyone watching the film felt the same way. However, out of the blue, you slowly learn that despite his temper, Erik is not above redemption and he actually tries very hard to follow the rules at an exclusive prep school.
In fact, the "evil" is referring to the school and the brutal system that is in place. Upper class men are bullies of the worst possible kind and yet despite horrible humiliation and torment, Erik is determined to withstand all the injustices because he wants to get into college and make something of himself. It was amazing how after a short time, you were hoping Erik would be violent and act out on his natural impulses! But instead, he proves he is better than the upper class snobs and fascists who to run roughshod over the younger students.
Later, the film takes many interesting twists and turns--most of which you probably won't anticipate--after all, the writing is brilliant and they don't take the cheap or clichéd way regarding the plot. I'd talk about all these great moments, but don't want to ruin it for you. Suffice to say, Erik does have revenge, of sorts, but he's able to also preserve his humanity in the process. Plus, the film really ends well with an implied ending that doesn't need to be seen--trust me on this.
About the only negatives are the adultness of the film. While this might be okay for some teens, it's still a very adult film due to some intense violence and a scene involving feces and vomit (it's NOT for the faint-hearted).
Great acting, writing and direction--this film is amazing. Give it a watch--but not with the kids, please!!
One of the big reasons I was so excited to see this film is that it rarely took the anticipated route--often surprising me because of its intelligently written script. When the film begins, the viewer naturally thinks the evil mentioned in the title is the lead character, Erik. After all, he appears to be a sociopathic sadist as you see him beating a fellow classmate and showing no remorse whatsoever as he's expelled from public school. I hated Erik and I am sure practically everyone watching the film felt the same way. However, out of the blue, you slowly learn that despite his temper, Erik is not above redemption and he actually tries very hard to follow the rules at an exclusive prep school.
In fact, the "evil" is referring to the school and the brutal system that is in place. Upper class men are bullies of the worst possible kind and yet despite horrible humiliation and torment, Erik is determined to withstand all the injustices because he wants to get into college and make something of himself. It was amazing how after a short time, you were hoping Erik would be violent and act out on his natural impulses! But instead, he proves he is better than the upper class snobs and fascists who to run roughshod over the younger students.
Later, the film takes many interesting twists and turns--most of which you probably won't anticipate--after all, the writing is brilliant and they don't take the cheap or clichéd way regarding the plot. I'd talk about all these great moments, but don't want to ruin it for you. Suffice to say, Erik does have revenge, of sorts, but he's able to also preserve his humanity in the process. Plus, the film really ends well with an implied ending that doesn't need to be seen--trust me on this.
About the only negatives are the adultness of the film. While this might be okay for some teens, it's still a very adult film due to some intense violence and a scene involving feces and vomit (it's NOT for the faint-hearted).
Great acting, writing and direction--this film is amazing. Give it a watch--but not with the kids, please!!