Tinke - Kleines starkes Mädchen

The last few years I try to watch more European movies. Usually they are no match and I still think the U.S.A. makes the best movies. (I am from The Netherlands Europe) However, once in a while a little pearl surfaces and this movie struck me full. Incredible touching acting by this little girl who struck me at first site and hold me in, during the complete movie. The story, cinematography, rhythm and great acting by the other characters did the rest. A lot of the story comes over without the need of text. It is all so natural, one really forgets watching a peace from the past. I even sometimes forgot to read the subtitles even though I can't understand a word Danish. I understood without understanding the language. If one likes strong character little big movies without tricks, this is one not to miss. Thank you Morten Køhlert, Bo Tengberg, editors, actors and the rest of the team, for this peace of art.

We usually watch one movie on DVD every weekend together with our children (three girls - 5, 8 and 10 yrs) with an ambition to avoid mass consumption and instead actively experience the movie together and also give it some afterthought. I probably wouldn't have even heard of this movie unless I had stumbled upon it at the municipal library. It looked promising so I borrowed it and yesterday we watched it. Afterwards we concluded that this was one of the best movies we had ever watched together, and we have seen well over 100 movies over the last 3-4 years. Even though the movie is full of humor and absurdities, we felt that this movie takes its audience very seriously and in that strongly contrasts from the range of movies that get 99% of the media and marketing attention. Even though the story about little Tinke who lost both her parents and is trying to find her mothers family is straightforward and easy to follow, almost every scene leaves openings for afterthought even for small children. Evil and good is not trivialized into black and white, and the perspective changes through the film. Tinke's own strong will make all the difference in the ending and it doesn't follow the standard Cinderella plot. Laurus role in the end is left quite open, and one might ask what happened to Harald and his parents.

Photography, lighting and staging follow a Nordic tradition and though I'm no expert in this area, it makes me think of Sven Nyqvist and Astrid Lindgren.

How many movies like this are lurking out there, being over shadowed by the massive marketing of ultra commercial sugar sweet mainstream blockbusters? This movies has certainly inspired me to spend some time trying to find more movies produced in e.g. Canada, France, Germany, The Netherlands and the Nordic Countries - and certainly also non Hollywood U.S. productions.

Tinke is highly recommended!

This Danish tale captures the bond of childhood friendship like no other. Tinke and Larus show us the true unrestrained nature of a growing friendship and the personal connection resulting. Their relationship is extremely well explored and conveyed in a way that actions and interactions give way to an underlying appreciation that is almost purposely left in the background.

The story itself is sweet, funny and cute. The fairytale undercurrents, which have labeled the film almost exclusively as a family film in Denmark (to M.Køhlert's regret), are no real deterrent to a mature adult viewer. The director in fact tried hard to make sure that this movie would in no way be restricted or even geared prominently towards children audience. He struck a nice balance. This could very well be a slightly eccentric drama that happens to have children as main characters.

The two actors, pulled from a large casting call, are in fact the life of the movie. Excellent, excellent work from these young lads. Sarah Juel Werner shines through and through, and Peter Jeppe Hansen does a magnifical job in perhaps the hardest role of the two. Real tears, real smiles, real emotions. The innocence of first time actors. In fact, the director spend more time just being close to them (playing, bringing them to McDonald's, talking,...) than actual rehearsing. It took an average of 5 to 6 takes.

Køhlert did an outstanding job with the material. The screenplay adapted from Cecil Bødker's novel is very tight. No unnecessary moments. Ends on a high note. Humour maintained throughout. Engrossing and charming. The directing was kept simple. Very effective. Let the actors show their craft. Let the script tell the story. Keep the camera close to the actors so you could be there experiencing the film with them (character association).

This movie should enchant you by its candor and life. By the light humor and the many touching moments. Bring your kids if you want, but don't go see it for them, see it for yourself!!

Morten Køhlert's real first feature (we can forget "Under overfladen (1999)" contract-for-money affair with no personal involvement or creative liberty), he comes out as an excellent director and great person. He is by far the friendliest and down-to-earth director I have ever had the chance to meet. Curious. Eyes wide open. Frank and modest. He told me he's currently working on a thriller/drama. I wish him an abundance of international and personal success.

First time in North America, he loves Montreal. He's says he feels like he's in a movie (not quite, but you made a great one). Hope he'll be back.