I just watched this film last night, and although the subject matter was depressing, I think it was factually accurate of the type of stupid behaviour we now see in classrooms all over the world. The main character Joosep is an introverted teenager that doesn't get along with his classmates to such an extent that they regularly pick on him. It is quite excruciating to watch the regular bullying that takes place, and the futility of his situation. At the beginning, the film states that this story is based in truth, which is quite sad. What angered me, and I think is a flaw in the film, is that there is no overt criticism of the school, or the teachers where this drama takes place. The teachers are so unaware of what is happening that it is quite ridiculous. The bullies are portrayed as evil, but for me the teachers are just as bad.
Having already watched the very good film 'Elephant', I new quite early on how this drama would unfold, as it is very much the same kind of story, but still this film held my attention to the bitter end. I thought the kids were really good especially the performance of the bullies ( I can't remember their names but one character was called Anders). They reminded me a lot of characters from my own school days. In the end it is a matter of honour that ends the story. In my opinion, this film is more accurate than Elephant but it doesn't have the dramatic impact, as you can guess the ending very early on.
Having already watched the very good film 'Elephant', I new quite early on how this drama would unfold, as it is very much the same kind of story, but still this film held my attention to the bitter end. I thought the kids were really good especially the performance of the bullies ( I can't remember their names but one character was called Anders). They reminded me a lot of characters from my own school days. In the end it is a matter of honour that ends the story. In my opinion, this film is more accurate than Elephant but it doesn't have the dramatic impact, as you can guess the ending very early on.