Kriminalas ekselences fonds

I'm writing this review just after watching the movie. I chose this one from many others on the festival because of positive rating and reviews here on IMDB. I can agree that the movie is nicely made when it comes to camera work and visual aspects. We have retro scenery and quite realistic play. However, I just couldn't get any sense and almost any humour from it. A few moments that put a smile on my face were just nothing special and the last scene as per my taste - was just stupid in a non-funny way. Some people laughed, some other like me were wondering why others are laughing - so I think that was just about a cultural difference. There might be some cultural connotations I'm not aware of, so I just don't get what's funny. (normally in in one or two scenes... but in a whole movie?) I like comedies and I've watched many different, that one just didn't speak to me at all. I'm a big fan of cinema too and I watched hundreds of movies from many countries. For me that screenplay was absolutely nothing interesting - just like the screenplay that main character was trying to "sell". I should admit here that I watched the movie with English subtitles so there might have been a bad translation, but even then - a plot was just nothing exciting: two frustrated losers trying to do stupid things with no success in a crime excellencing nor making me laugh - that's how I would describe it. There were many such criminal comedies, mostly easy to whatch, stupid and funny - hence entertaining. As for me this one would almost fall into such category, but unfortunately it wasn't easy to whatch nor funny...

It might be better to see the movie for yourself before reading any reviews or hearing spoilers. 9 stars might be a bit too generous, but these are unique circumstances considering its niche in movie industry. When a new Latvian movie pops up - most people I know - set their expectations really low. This movie is something different entirely (might not be for everyone). It seems polished and thought out - from smaller details like camera work and props to major things like acting, story, flow of dialogues. The movie gives an impression that there were actual professionals working on it. Acting felt very believable for the most part (some minor line deliveries here and there might have gained something from additional takes and direction or maybe some assurance - but that was mostly for one or two secondary or even tertiary characters). Usually with Latvian cinema - a lot of actors act like they are on a theater stage which rarely works in modern movies and feels overacted. Not this movie. The language is coarse, but it depicts quite realistically how some people talk and react to certain things. Every character seems likeable and like someone you can actually relate to. The script is surreal at times and funny throughout - dialogues are organic, the story itself - crazy, but believable, the way characters are introduced and developed - creative and quirky. And the story is quite unpredictable and full of surprises and twists. The whole nostalgia-exploitation works great - the props, the people, the setting. What is even more impressive - this movie was made through donations and crowdfunding. If I had to compare this to something else then I would say that watching this somewhat felt like I was watching something created by Coen brothers or Taika Waititi - in terms of approach to character interactions and some style similarities.

I don't like Latvian movies. Can appreciate some classics, but in general I will avoid anything coming from Latvian filmmaker. It's mostly due to acting - feels forced / theatre like. Plain and boring cinematography is another trademark and most plots are way too straight forward for my liking with nothing seemingly happening.

And then there is this. Probably the most interesting film we have now, it's definitely worth watching. It just feels... Different.

Cinematography is finally not bland, Film is filled with details / exposition, different camera angles are put in use. It really looks good throughout Plot is interesting and things actually do happen. Like other review here mentioned at some points it even has some surreal elements. Characters are fleshed out and acting feels genuine. At no point I thought I am watching the usual Shakespearean play, most Latvian actors are so keen to do

Oh and it is genuinely funny. Forgot to mention I don't like Latvian comedies. At least on the big screen. There are some funny short sketches, mostly older stuff, but in general I am not a fan. But boy oh boy, this movie had some really good moments. Nothing obnoxious, it was just the way I like it. The idea in movie of "how certain item was sold" was absolutely hilarious, still cracks me up.

The only off putting thing that I could think about, is the generally harsh language, suppose some might not like that. But it fits in, language is not forced it does feel appropriate to this narrative

Absolutely recommend to go watch this, it will pleasantly surprise you. It sure did me

The movie relies too much on profanity. If you remove the swear words from the movie, you are left with a poorly made movie, which leaves you feeling like you wasted 2 hours of your life.

All movie was based just on swearing. Everything else is just "amateur trying to make good movie" which is not unfortunately.