My first two screenings at Toronto After Dark this year included Let the Right One In (Låt den rätte komma in) and MirageMan. An interesting mix to start the festival.
Of course, the opening film Let the Right One In has been receiving some really good reviews through the festival circuits as well as in print. Based on a book of the same title written by John Ajvide Lindqvist, the film was directed by Tomas Alfredson. It is a really smartly executed story of two youngsters who befriend each other under some really interesting circumstances. Oskar (Kare Hedebrant), a 12-year-old boy who is being bullied at school, befriends a new neighbour, Eli (Lina Leandersson)who is also about 12 years-old. The relationship that develops is both innocent yet complex since Eli happens to be a vampire. Set in the austere, Nordic climate of a Swedish suburb, the film follows a slow pace that draws you in with anticipation to see how the friendship and the story will unfold.
Eli helps Oskar find courage to stand up to the school bullies and in return, Oskar offers Eli friendship and acceptance. I will not provide more details of the plot except that just when Oskar needs Eli most, she shows up to help him… One of the many great scenes in the film by the way. I will not say more as I hope you get to see this film for yourselves. It has a distributor and hopefully, it will get released around several North American cities and on DVD.
I read some reviews of this film in Film Comment, the LA Times, and other online venues. All agree that this is one of the best horror films you’ll see this year. In my opinion, Alfredson pays
great attention to detail, which enhance the quality of the film. We hear the sounds of footsteps on the snow as well as the sounds of people breathing. The film has a blue, almost greyish hue throughout. Altogether is a very well crafted film, which deals with themes like bullying, violence and alienation. Hederbrandt and Leandersson are well cast and deliver really amazing performances. One issue I have is that I’ve read that Hammer Films and Spitfire Pictures have obtained the English-language rights for the remake. Ugh! I’m not sure I’d endorse the remake because the original is amazingly executed… enough action, good pacing, memorable and endearing characters and a good ending. I guess it’s inevitable though; a lot of foreign films get remade so they can reach a wider, North American audience.
Let’s hope this doesn’t happen to this next film: MirageMan; a film from Chile directed by Ernesto Diaz Espinoza and starring martial artist and stuntman Marko Zaror. It’s a low-budget, action-packed, full-contact movie with a bit of heart.
This film has been getting a buzz online too. This was the first time I heard of Zaror’s work and was I ever impressed! Espinoza does a great job in directing a simple yet nicely choreographed action movie. We get to know Maco (Zaror), a young man whose parents were killed in a violent attack and whose younger brother was raped by the same attackers. Maco’s younger brother is now in mental institution. To pass the days, Maco trains in the martial arts at home and by night, he works as a bouncer at a strip club. One night, he walks by a house that is being robed by masked burglers. He decides to kick the heck out of one of them, puts on his mask and goes in to save a woman from being raped, along with her friends/family and still has time to beat up the rest of the burglers… That’s just the beginning. Lucky or not so lucky for Maco, the woman he saved is none other than a TV news reporter, who tells the whole of Chile how she was saved by a masked hero. The rest of the film shows us how Maco develops his super-hero self. As he fails to succeed in various attempts as well as become the laughing stock of the Chilean public, MirageMan akaMaco becomes a darker character. In the context of its storyline, the film works well. It is filled with humour, social commentary, and plenty of action. I had a great time watching this film. The camera work brings you close to the fight scenes; it is in this way, you realise these were no stunts. The punches, kicks and acrobatics are all real. All in the audience were impressed with Zaror’s agility… if you don’t pay attention, you may just miss his kick-ass moves… really! As well, a friend pointed out that the theme from the Spiderman cartoon series, circa 1960’s might have been playing in the background during one of the fighting scenes in the film (perhaps one of you can help us verify if this is correct).
I highly recommend this movie to those of you who grew up watching Bruce Lee or any of the martial arts films from 70’s… There is a feel to this movie that is reminiscent to that era… Or if you are looking for a modern super-hero, you’ll want to watch this film. It’s been reported that Magnolia pictures will be distributing the film. Until its release, watch the trailer here or if you speak & read Spanish, check out this link for more info.
