This movie has gotten mediocre to bad reviews, and I have no idea why. The movie is gentle, with a slow pace, unlike many movies today where you get a new clip every 2 seconds. The pace lets us feel how life is for the little girl. The language is poetic and tells us about an unusually gifted child. I had sympathy with her, cared for her, wanted the best for her. I also understood her father. The first part of the movie, where we took part in the birth of the girl and the death of the mother, was well done. We understand the endless love her father had for his wife. This movie touched me and my friend, but maybe it belongs in a different time. I am glad it does!
13 Reviews
Beautifully filmed story about abnormality
OJT28 August 2016
I didn't have huge expectations for the film, which is based upon the internationally acclaimed novel by the Norwegain novelist Erik Fosnes Hansen by the same name, directed and scripted by Norwegian Vibeke Idsøe. Idsøe has formerly been best known for her family films and an O.K. comedy, but this is by far her best film to date. The film offers both a great story, beautiful photographed scenes, good film music and great production values and good acting.
Eva Arctander is born while her mother dies at home on a train station in a small town in Norway. The little girl is covered with hair all over her body, much to her fathers shame. We follow her upbringing as well as later life, having to cope with the abnormality of being "dressed" as an animal.
The film functions on several levels, and has been criticized for not having a sharp enough edge. I think that's a load of b.s., and I find it rather relieving that the film is not full of bullying or nastiness. We've seen all that before.
the film is simply beautifully shot by danish cinematography master Dan Laustsen, known from films like Headhunter, I am Dina, The Possession...* Combined with a perfectly made musical score, I found the film a delight to watch on the big screen.
The film is very much a Scandinavian project, with many Danish actors, a brilliant Swedish second lead (Rolf Lassgård) and a couple of good Norewgian female central actors in all the different versions of Eva (as 7, 14 years old and grown up). There are also many good minor roles.
Though I must admit I found a couple of weaknesses. That comes to the believably language spoken by the child as a 7 year old. It was far too advanced. It didn't sound right, and was quite awkward. There's also a couple of other glitches in the dialogues, and Idsøe should have had a script consultant removing this, so that the film would have that weakness. I also was a little bit annoyed by the CGI used on Eva as a baby. Later on, this is perfect.
But when it comes to all, I found the film both interesting and entertaining. And well worth your time!
Eva Arctander is born while her mother dies at home on a train station in a small town in Norway. The little girl is covered with hair all over her body, much to her fathers shame. We follow her upbringing as well as later life, having to cope with the abnormality of being "dressed" as an animal.
The film functions on several levels, and has been criticized for not having a sharp enough edge. I think that's a load of b.s., and I find it rather relieving that the film is not full of bullying or nastiness. We've seen all that before.
the film is simply beautifully shot by danish cinematography master Dan Laustsen, known from films like Headhunter, I am Dina, The Possession...* Combined with a perfectly made musical score, I found the film a delight to watch on the big screen.
The film is very much a Scandinavian project, with many Danish actors, a brilliant Swedish second lead (Rolf Lassgård) and a couple of good Norewgian female central actors in all the different versions of Eva (as 7, 14 years old and grown up). There are also many good minor roles.
Though I must admit I found a couple of weaknesses. That comes to the believably language spoken by the child as a 7 year old. It was far too advanced. It didn't sound right, and was quite awkward. There's also a couple of other glitches in the dialogues, and Idsøe should have had a script consultant removing this, so that the film would have that weakness. I also was a little bit annoyed by the CGI used on Eva as a baby. Later on, this is perfect.
But when it comes to all, I found the film both interesting and entertaining. And well worth your time!
Keeps itself within known terrain
peefyn22 March 2017
I saw this movie with an audience, and quite a few had a visible (and intended )emotional reaction to it. Obviously it's able to touch people on an emotional level. In that regard, the movie is quite successful.
Before I saw this movie, I was annoyed by how much of the story was spoiled by trailers. But after watching it, you realize that the story itself is not the important part of this movie. It's establishing relationships between Eva (the girl) and the people in her life. This is also where the movie gains its emotional strength. This part of the movie is probably also the best one, as the feelings the characters have for each other is easily felt as you watch the movie.
But I was there was more. The plot is mostly predictable, and even its most dramatic moments is quickly dropped shortly after happening. The movie goes as a swift pace past anything actually happening, but spends a lot of time on the moments where there's not much going on at all. Where young Eva is exploring the limits of her household, and trying to get a glimpse of the world outside of it. There's enough happening in this movie to warrant its two hour runtime, but the time could have been spent a lot better.
The last part of the movie is almost like fast forward, most likely only so that they could get to the ending scene in a way that carried some emotional impact. Perhaps more of the movie could be spent on these parts of her life, instead of her childhood? In the end, it's a movie that follows the beats you expect it to. On a technical level it (mostly) impresses, especially the make up. The dialects are all over the place, taking a bit of the realism away, but the acting is mostly of high quality.
Before I saw this movie, I was annoyed by how much of the story was spoiled by trailers. But after watching it, you realize that the story itself is not the important part of this movie. It's establishing relationships between Eva (the girl) and the people in her life. This is also where the movie gains its emotional strength. This part of the movie is probably also the best one, as the feelings the characters have for each other is easily felt as you watch the movie.
But I was there was more. The plot is mostly predictable, and even its most dramatic moments is quickly dropped shortly after happening. The movie goes as a swift pace past anything actually happening, but spends a lot of time on the moments where there's not much going on at all. Where young Eva is exploring the limits of her household, and trying to get a glimpse of the world outside of it. There's enough happening in this movie to warrant its two hour runtime, but the time could have been spent a lot better.
The last part of the movie is almost like fast forward, most likely only so that they could get to the ending scene in a way that carried some emotional impact. Perhaps more of the movie could be spent on these parts of her life, instead of her childhood? In the end, it's a movie that follows the beats you expect it to. On a technical level it (mostly) impresses, especially the make up. The dialects are all over the place, taking a bit of the realism away, but the acting is mostly of high quality.
A fairytale
Efva_Lindmark7 July 2019
No matter the condition with which you were born
danielsanchezmendoza15 October 2017
I do not consider myself an expert to criticize a work like a movie, where so many people work, but if I am able to see or understand the message that is wanted to give the work and in this story, the message is simple, "No matter the condition with which you were born, it is not an excuse to dream and achieve something great "I know it is not easy, society is the factor that most debilitates a person, and we all know, but if someone manages to overcome those immense mountains, there will be nobody who can collapse it.
A good hearty warming movie
mosquitocyn12 April 2023
I didn't know what to expect from this movie which popped up on YouTube as I was searching for something to watch. I was amazed at the good script, quality acting and how touching the movie is. It does remind me of The Elephant Man and make me wonder why we treat someone differently or judge them or shun them because they look different. Such prejudice apparently also resides in children who most probably learn from the adults. We also see how inhumane the medical profession can be especially in the earlier era. It's also an inspirational movie as we see the main character grows to become self-sufficient and pursue her goals. Highly recommend this movie for all.
No other film like this
brookezzz28 January 2019
Title says it all, my review for a 10 is because I have never seen any fim like this that shows you humanity is its worst and prime, does not matter about the CGI behind the baby, the acting is on par, foreign films is the next industry, look forward after watching this and do not look back to Hollywood(which is trash super-hero movies lately). what i do not understand is why the 3 Actresses that play Eva in this film did not get a nomination for their role nor an award.... saddens me deeply
This movie deeply touch my heart
kwintf16 April 2019
Loved this film a touching beautiful journey
moviemom239 August 2019
Warning: Spoilers
Yes, it's a fairy tale, but beautifully executed. In hindsight, I should have watched it with subtitles and instead saw it with English dubbed. But it was still a very enjoyable film.
*"Light spoilers...no details.**
The subject matter is one of my favorites, and much like the Elephant Man, it tells the story of an abnormal child, then woman, in an age where these individuals were referred to as freaks. However horrible it was, they were able to overcome and connect with society in a meaningful way.
This film is shot so beautifully, and the period details are amazing. It has a slow pace, but I like that. I agree with another reviewer I wished to have seen a bit more deeply Eva's higher educational journey, but a wonderful film nonetheless I highly recommend it. The actress who plays the caretaker is terrific.
This film is shot so beautifully, and the period details are amazing. It has a slow pace, but I like that. I agree with another reviewer I wished to have seen a bit more deeply Eva's higher educational journey, but a wonderful film nonetheless I highly recommend it. The actress who plays the caretaker is terrific.
Very interesting and moving story
ingra887 January 2020
I saw the dubbed English version on Netflix, I would rather see the original language version.
But still the story is beautiful as is the sets and the colours.
I wouldn't be surprised if they do a reboot of this movie in the US.
I wouldn't be surprised if they do a reboot of this movie in the US.
Wonderfully written and filmed
black_orchid233 May 2020
A well done movie that allows you to understand the development of a character and it shows a different take on how society views you if you're different. The viewer goes through the emotions of the characters and you can understand and empathise to each one of them.
Touching
peneloperandez-156319 August 2020
Good movie
natanaelsan-4950725 August 2018
Good movie. Good movie.Gold movie. Still too short?Good movie. Good movie.Gold movie. Still too short?Good movie. Good movie.Gold movie. Still too short?Good movie. Good movie.Gold movie. Still too short?Good movie. Good movie.Gold movie. Still too short?Good movie. Good movie.Gold movie. Still too short?
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