Sameblod

A compelling historical and social drama, one of those films which manages to feel extremely personal while at the same time commenting on a significant social problem of a bygone era. The lead performance by the Sami girl Lene Cecilia Sparrok is captivating - as the viewer, you are immediately on her side. Meanwhile the period setting in 1930s Sweden feels as authentic as you can imagine it to be. The plot had some surprises too. A film for learning, feeling, empathising and growing. Thanks, AK

This film is an intimate and poignant character study that shows an incredible amount of restraint. Whereas other arthouse directors would slip into the depraved depths of the human condition, this film maintains a kind of dignity and respect for all human beings. There are few monsters among us--most evil is a product of social institutions and norms. All in all, this films acts as an insightful thesis on individualism and collectivism bought to life by Sparrok's masterclass acting.

Brilliant debut. What strikes me is not just the heavy (and often ignored) questions the film tackles, but how lightly it does it, letting the camera and Sparrok's body language do much of the narrating, lingering on seemingly idyllic shots only to serve up the flip side later on, playing with language and which words don't translate... Could have taken a slightly wider approach, I guess, but then it wouldn't be what it is.

What a beautiful, tragic story. It is about findin one's place, about heritage and the shame that it can bring, about racism and of pride. The minimalistic approach works here best, bringing out the subtle nuances of Elle-Marjas' story and made alive by the amazing acting against the background of nordic nature. Nothing else needed here. This works perfectly.

Simply beautiful!

B+

Slow with some difficult scenes to watch in the first act. Not really my type of movie but I can tell it was well done, so giving it a higher rating than my enjoyment level would otherwise provide.