"Shifting the blame" is a film that moves you. It is predictable, yes, because you know where it will lead most of the time...BUT...you have no idea what the journey's going to be like. This is the point of the film. It isn't about the one thing that happens but about the people that are affected by it and their reactions to it. Simply put, it's a movie about someone's life and the people around that person.
The story is intriguing because we only get a small glimpse into this person's life. We don't get a beginning nor an end, only the in-between. We get to see part of the life of juvenile delinquent Benjamin. The movie begins with the one action he carries out and then it quickly moves on. In prison Benjamin is approached by a social worker, Niklas. Because of his young age he's considered not a lost cause and that there is a chance of him being able to turn his life around. This is what the social worker offers Benjamin - a way of making amends for all of his wrongdoings and to make something of his life.
Benjamin takes the offer because he doesn't want to be in prison. He arrives at the new place and starts off as the same jackass delinquent he was before but he soon finds his place in the community Niklas has created for him and his likes. He's changing his ways and becoming a better and happier person...
Then past makes its presence known and everything is turned upside down for Benjamin. Once more he has to find his footing in the community that was once his safe haven but now only brings him feelings of guilt and regret. This emotional journey of his is one of two parts of the movie.
Benjamin soon realizes that life can't go on without a confession or without him standing up for what is right - no matter the consequences - and that him making amends is his only shot at a new life. Whether he will seek forgiveness or be granted it, you will have to see for yourselves...
The lead role is played by Edin H. It's his first feature film, his first leading role, and he really delivers. Benjamin's feelings are beautifully portrayed by Edin - be it by a small gesture, his way to breathe or by one simple look. You feel his pain as if it was your own.
The second lead is the social worker's wife Eva, a woman who is still suffering from a certain event in her past and who is trying to move on but simply can't. Her emotional journey is the other part of the movie. Their separate journeys are connected to a secret that ties them together against both of their wishes.
The actress playing Eva is amazing as well. Her emotion, her reactions to what is happening right in front of her is almost eerie in a way. But you understand her, you root for her as well, and you wish them both peace of mind and heart.
What I love about the characters is that none of them are plain evil or plain good. They are versatile and very human. They all make mistakes and their actions are colored by their pasts like with any real life person.
It's a beautiful movie with interesting characters and interactions between people. There are some beautiful portrayals. A real gem!
The story is intriguing because we only get a small glimpse into this person's life. We don't get a beginning nor an end, only the in-between. We get to see part of the life of juvenile delinquent Benjamin. The movie begins with the one action he carries out and then it quickly moves on. In prison Benjamin is approached by a social worker, Niklas. Because of his young age he's considered not a lost cause and that there is a chance of him being able to turn his life around. This is what the social worker offers Benjamin - a way of making amends for all of his wrongdoings and to make something of his life.
Benjamin takes the offer because he doesn't want to be in prison. He arrives at the new place and starts off as the same jackass delinquent he was before but he soon finds his place in the community Niklas has created for him and his likes. He's changing his ways and becoming a better and happier person...
Then past makes its presence known and everything is turned upside down for Benjamin. Once more he has to find his footing in the community that was once his safe haven but now only brings him feelings of guilt and regret. This emotional journey of his is one of two parts of the movie.
Benjamin soon realizes that life can't go on without a confession or without him standing up for what is right - no matter the consequences - and that him making amends is his only shot at a new life. Whether he will seek forgiveness or be granted it, you will have to see for yourselves...
The lead role is played by Edin H. It's his first feature film, his first leading role, and he really delivers. Benjamin's feelings are beautifully portrayed by Edin - be it by a small gesture, his way to breathe or by one simple look. You feel his pain as if it was your own.
The second lead is the social worker's wife Eva, a woman who is still suffering from a certain event in her past and who is trying to move on but simply can't. Her emotional journey is the other part of the movie. Their separate journeys are connected to a secret that ties them together against both of their wishes.
The actress playing Eva is amazing as well. Her emotion, her reactions to what is happening right in front of her is almost eerie in a way. But you understand her, you root for her as well, and you wish them both peace of mind and heart.
What I love about the characters is that none of them are plain evil or plain good. They are versatile and very human. They all make mistakes and their actions are colored by their pasts like with any real life person.
It's a beautiful movie with interesting characters and interactions between people. There are some beautiful portrayals. A real gem!
