December 30, 2009
''You have to invite me in.''
Oskar; a shy bullied boy, finds love and revenge through Eli; a beautiful yet mysterious girl whom turns out to be a vampire.
Kåre Hedebrant: Oskar
Lina Leandersson: Eli
Lat den ratte komma in(2008) or in English ...( read more)>Let the Right one in; Lets start by explaining the title of the film (as well as the novel upon which it was based) refers to the Morrissey song Let the Right One Slip In.
Also referring and according to vampire myths; vampires must be invited in before they can enter someone's home (this point is also expertly shown in the film).
Directed by the talented Tomas Alfredson, based upon the book by John Ajvide Lindqvist whom subsequently worked on the screenplay for the film. The material upon which Let the right one in is based was pure gold in terms of imagination; The film adaptation; equally magnificent in it's scope and capture of Vampire lore, at the same time putting a unique spin on the legendary subject matter. The story tells us a unique perspective from a child's eyes and a mysterious girl he becomes entwined with.
Let the right one in is in Swedish; sometimes the subtitles aren't even necessary as the characters use all sorts of methods and gestures that say more than mere words. Anyone whom complains about the subtitles should not watch; it is wasted on you. An unappreciative audience is an insult to this Let the right one in; because it is a magnificent masterpiece which lingers in the memory using clever circumstances and horrific happenings in equal doses. It rivals any horror movie in the span of the last 40 years in terms of effectiveness and creativeness.
Also tackling bullying from schoolmates, parenting skills from estranged parents and the imagination of a boy whom is innocent, graceful and shy.
The cast relatively unknown to me before; effectively portray believability and magnetism especially the two leads: Oskar and Eli. The acting is so real that I actually did not doubt for a second their growing love and chemistry throughout the story.
Another memorable character Yvonne played by Karin Bergquist turns out a surprising role as one whom becomes infected by the vampiric gene. Imaginative scenes including her falling down a stairs with cats covering her body or her burning in intense flames as a blind is opened in a Hospital defies belief yet captivates and enthralls at the same instant. Hats off for such clever techniques and acting.
Though the film takes place on location at Blackeberg, a suburb of Stockholm, the film principal photography was shot in Lulea in the north of Sweden; to ensure enough snow and cold weather.
Up to several tricks were used to create the right sound effects for a few gorier scenes used. Biting into sausages replicates the sound of biting into skin and flesh, drinking types of yogurt also were used to sound like drinking blood. The sound of the children blinking was made by the skin of a grape rubbing against each other in an almost blinking motion.
Also rightly voted movie of the year by Empire magazine, whom are sometimes compromised in terms of opinions and reviews(Surprisingly the first time a foreign language film topped their list since the mind blowing Cidade de Deus(2002) in 2003).
Overall, Let the Right one in is a visual, imaginative treat. A horror of renowned highness, a bloody tour de force and certainly one to be watched by any film appreciator.
Guillermo Del Toro director of the fantastical, realistic Pan's Labyrinth; said in his words of Let the right one in, '' As delicate, haunting and a poetic a film as you're ever bound to see''. That only barely begins to sum up the majestic, awesome quality this blood sucker piece is. This IS is the vampire movie of the decade, the swan song and testament to an old legend. It certainly beats Twilight on all counts having more romance, creativity, respect for Vampire lore and horror in Let the right one in's little finger alone.
Just do not pass up this opportunity, as the title suggests: Let the right one in. If you don't you will be the one missing out and that certainly sucks. A bloody dreamed up masterpiece adaptation.
''Are you a vampire?''
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