'November' is based on the novel 'Rehepapp' by Andrus Kivirähk and is awash with elements from pagan Estonian folklore. Presented in stark but rich black and white, extraordinary images and set-pieces whirl and skim past us unsuspecting viewers. Underneath all this, the actual story is pretty thin, but that really isn't a consideration. The cinematography is exceptional and squeezes every last drop out of the dark fairy-tale atmosphere.
The plot concerns Liina (Rea Lest) and her patient attempts to attract handsome Hans (Jörgen Liik). However, this is no mere story of love and longing. Mythical-looking, surreal creatures made from wood, metal and bone - Kratts - are obliging and loyal, unsettling and strangely loveable. You won't exactly want one for Christmas, but they have a strange appeal.
At just shy of two hours, 'November' asks the audience to be enthralled by its weirdness for a long time, but that is never really a problem; you don't want to leave until the story is done.
The plot concerns Liina (Rea Lest) and her patient attempts to attract handsome Hans (Jörgen Liik). However, this is no mere story of love and longing. Mythical-looking, surreal creatures made from wood, metal and bone - Kratts - are obliging and loyal, unsettling and strangely loveable. You won't exactly want one for Christmas, but they have a strange appeal.
At just shy of two hours, 'November' asks the audience to be enthralled by its weirdness for a long time, but that is never really a problem; you don't want to leave until the story is done.