(Spoilers) Coming from the United States, I was interested in some insight into the experiences of young people in Denmark. Maybe what is seen is not representative, but I could easily identify with the culture. I always imagined that the Scandinavian countries were much advanced to the United States in the area of sexuality, but I was surprised to see that (at least in 1987 as portrayed in this film) the attitudes toward gays was on a par with the U.S. That being said, the nudity, the one scene of gay sex, and sex among teens would never have made it into a movie for general release in the U.S. That pretty much goes for 2012 as well.
Upon reflection I find Kristian, the main character, more complex than I initially gave him credit for. When his mother moves to a different school district, Kristian has to attend a new school. That is always difficult since the cliques have already been formed and it takes some time to see where you fit in. Kristian first takes up with Henrik, the odd kid out. Though Henrik never makes any physical advances, it is clear that his interest in Kristian is more than just simple friendship. At first Kristian seems to respond to that, but then he flips and shuts Henrik off and pursues getting in with Patrick, the leader of the in-group. In view of what happens later in the film, with Kristian having several heterosexual experiences, I was still left with some doubt about his sexuality. When Kristian discovers Patrick's homosexuality, he is initially repulsed, but ultimately comes to an acceptance. Perhaps that is the point the movie was trying to make.
I was confused by some parts. It was never clear to me what the story was on the living arrangements where Patrick moved. Was it some sort of community living, a boarding house, or an apartment with shared space? Maybe this is a type of living situation that is common in Denmark, but not in the U.S. We don't get much information on either of Kristian's or Patrick's family. No mention is ever made of Kristian's father, so I assumed he was living with his mother. Whatever the situation, he was not all that close with his mom. Patrick commented that his family was driving him nuts and he needed to get away so he could see whomever he wanted whenever he wanted. It was not made clear whether his family did not accept his sexuality. I would have liked the story to have been fleshed out more. The relationship between Kristian and the older singer, who was his mother's age, was far-fetched. And Kristian's skillful lovemaking with her was hard to believe, given his youthful inexperience.
Nothing special about the filming. I thought the young actors were quite good. It's odd that this is the only film most of the actors ever appeared in.
The scenes at the end that had the kids tossing leaflets opposing the school head, Ms. Kallenbach, provided a frivolous ending. However, I found the final bizarre scene that had the entire cast in costume singing on stage to be delightful and it ended things on an upbeat note. I wish this final scene had been subtitled for us English only speakers.
Upon reflection I find Kristian, the main character, more complex than I initially gave him credit for. When his mother moves to a different school district, Kristian has to attend a new school. That is always difficult since the cliques have already been formed and it takes some time to see where you fit in. Kristian first takes up with Henrik, the odd kid out. Though Henrik never makes any physical advances, it is clear that his interest in Kristian is more than just simple friendship. At first Kristian seems to respond to that, but then he flips and shuts Henrik off and pursues getting in with Patrick, the leader of the in-group. In view of what happens later in the film, with Kristian having several heterosexual experiences, I was still left with some doubt about his sexuality. When Kristian discovers Patrick's homosexuality, he is initially repulsed, but ultimately comes to an acceptance. Perhaps that is the point the movie was trying to make.
I was confused by some parts. It was never clear to me what the story was on the living arrangements where Patrick moved. Was it some sort of community living, a boarding house, or an apartment with shared space? Maybe this is a type of living situation that is common in Denmark, but not in the U.S. We don't get much information on either of Kristian's or Patrick's family. No mention is ever made of Kristian's father, so I assumed he was living with his mother. Whatever the situation, he was not all that close with his mom. Patrick commented that his family was driving him nuts and he needed to get away so he could see whomever he wanted whenever he wanted. It was not made clear whether his family did not accept his sexuality. I would have liked the story to have been fleshed out more. The relationship between Kristian and the older singer, who was his mother's age, was far-fetched. And Kristian's skillful lovemaking with her was hard to believe, given his youthful inexperience.
Nothing special about the filming. I thought the young actors were quite good. It's odd that this is the only film most of the actors ever appeared in.
The scenes at the end that had the kids tossing leaflets opposing the school head, Ms. Kallenbach, provided a frivolous ending. However, I found the final bizarre scene that had the entire cast in costume singing on stage to be delightful and it ended things on an upbeat note. I wish this final scene had been subtitled for us English only speakers.
