When there is no ongoing war, but a regime is dictatorial, then children are under no direct oppression as there are attempts to make them obedient and future followers. Mostly through ideology - as well presented in Seltsimees laps, were ideas, things, events etc. interesting to children are used. Partially with some success, even if adult people close to them show and talk different things. Leelo appears in the middle of "mess" and thanks to her upbringing, her own cleverness and observation skills she did not become a numb Soviet, but a poet well known and admired in Estonia.
It is thanks to her books behind the script, above all, that the benchmark for the film is strong already. Including distinct characters and good performances (starting from elena Maria Reisner as Leelo and Tambet Tuisk as Feliks), but also in smaller roles. The mood is well captured as well, with some uneasiness due to the era and environment, but also some humorous moments and dialogues, when a child appears in the company of adults, or tries to comprehend the differences between apparent and real.
This film has already won several big prizes and I am sure many are to come. Thanks to its method of depiction, it should be understandable also to those with no direct or indirect experience in oppressing regimes.
It is thanks to her books behind the script, above all, that the benchmark for the film is strong already. Including distinct characters and good performances (starting from elena Maria Reisner as Leelo and Tambet Tuisk as Feliks), but also in smaller roles. The mood is well captured as well, with some uneasiness due to the era and environment, but also some humorous moments and dialogues, when a child appears in the company of adults, or tries to comprehend the differences between apparent and real.
This film has already won several big prizes and I am sure many are to come. Thanks to its method of depiction, it should be understandable also to those with no direct or indirect experience in oppressing regimes.