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Reviews
Plagi Breslau (2018)
Underrated thriller that keeps you in its grip
Often the difference between a cheap rip-off and a well-thought tribute is non-existent and depends on the viewer's personal preferences. Although the resemblance in the plot to "Se7en" was obvious, I did not find it disturbing. The movie seemed more like a fresh take on the classic thriller set in a very different place and context. The characters are interesting and the way the murders are shown are very unique and genuinely shocking. Perhaps it's a cultural thing, but I also liked the cynical and toned-down acting. Yes there are some silly mistakes in the script as pointed out by other reviewers, but they can be forgiven as the movie is able to successfully keep the viewer sitting at the edge of the bench until the end. Definitely a movie worth trying despite all the mixed reviews, and as usual I would recommend to watch the movie with original language and subtitles.
Reindeerspotting - pako Joulumaasta (2010)
A well-made insight into drug abuse in Finland
Narcotics are a fairly small problem in Finland, at least when compared to most Western countries. Sill it exists, even in the more remote areas such as Rovaniemi, the capital of the Finnish part of Lapland. Reindeerspotting – titled after a movie dealing with similar issues in Scotland – focuses on a young man whose life is filled with narcotics and crime. It must have been the first time seeing drug use from such a close perspective in my home country, and it made me better realize Finland is no longer a haven far away from drug markets.
Despite being shot hand-held with what seemed like an ordinary consumer video camera by one of the friends of the main character, the documentary proved to be carefully compiled from material taken several years ago. It never got boring, as several incidents occur throughout the film, some of which were a bit shocking and some quite amusing. Most of the talking (despite being sometimes mumbling because of the drugs) is fascinating and humorous, and not placed there only to fill up the running time. First I felt that Jani, the main character, was ignorant and irresponsible but as he got more familiar to the viewer, the impression changed. He never blames anyone else for his problems and has modest dreams for his future. Therefore it's sad to know he died soon after the documentary was released.
I would recommend watching Reindeerspotting for anyone who won't start feeling sick from several close-ups of needle injections. I think it will give an interesting perspective to both Finns and others of a life with drugs in a different environment than the usual.