Patrik 1,5

In a suburb in Sweden, the gay Dr. Göran (Gustaf Skarsgård) and his "husband", the executive Sven (Torkel Petersson) receive a letter informing that they will finally adopt an orphan – Patrik 1,5. They understand that Patrik is a one and half year-old baby and they prepare a room for the baby. However, there is a typo and Patrick (Tom Ljungman) is actually a fifteen year-old homophobic teenager with criminal record.

The gay couple assumes that there is a mistake, but it is Friday afternoon and they need to wait until Monday to contact the Social Service. Along the weekend, Sven has friction with the adolescent, but Göran befriends Patrik, who is an experienced gardener. Göran and Sven have an argument about Patrik and Sven leaves Göran.

When Göran learns that Patrik has been rejected by families for ten years, he decides to adopt Patrik. But now he is alone and the process of adoption is no longer valid and he needs to prepare a new application.

I am not a fan of films with the theme "gay couple", but Patrik 1.5 is a pleasant surprise. The story is funny, dramatic and romantic and the trio Gustaf Skarsgård, Torkel Petersson and Tom Ljungman is charismatic and shows a great chemistry. The director and writer Ella Lemhagen is very sensitive and never overexploits the gay relationship of Göran and Sven.

The prejudice of the neighbors of Göran and Sven is impressive considering the image of freedom in sex that the Swedish people have in my country. My vote is seven.

Title (Brazil): "Patrik 1.5"

I found this film to be a very satisfying experience, but then again, much of Swedish cinema has this effect upon me.

This is not so much a story about a gay couple attempting to adopt a baby boy (and being sent a surly, delinquent 15-year-old) as it is about family, relationships, fitting in, making compromises, and ultimately discovering that what you have may just be what you need.

Most of the movie takes place in a 'nice' suburban street, a kind of Stepford-meets-Pleasantville. Residents spend their spare time in the garden, socialising with others in the street, and being nice to one another. Enter a gay couple who are in the process of adopting a child. Not only does the neighbourhood have to adjust, but so do the couple themselves, and eventually the 'child' they adopt.

Gustaf Skarsgard carries this film almost single-handed. His character - Goran - is subtle, charming, patient and caring. He is the one who eventually forms a meaningful relationship with the 'son' who turns up at their door - wonderfully played by Tom Ljungman, who will be someone to keep an eye on in the future. It's hard to believe he was only 16 at the time of filming, as he creates a character in 3 dimensions.

I like people-movies, and this is definitely a people movie. It is not complicated or terribly deep, but it held my attention fully, and I was sorry when it ended.

Just one more comment........... There is a blue car which speeds down the street, and kids and dogs have to jump out of its way. This happens about 2-3 times throughout the course of the film, and is never explained. It reminded me of the motor cycle which sped through the town in 'Local Hero'; rather a nice touch, although not original.

9 stars.

I loved it! The background of the film was a mix between that of Pushing Up Daises and August Rush, the plot was deep and current, and the characters made me laugh and cry. Patrik was an @$$ in the beginning but slowly softened up and so did Sven. And Göran was kind hearted and real. I loved how they evolved over span of the film and how their actions said more then the words they sad. Anyone straight, gay, bi, or lesbian should see this. I laughed out loud at the retort of Göran and Patrik, and cried at the moments od Patrik's baby pics and the separation of Sven and Göran. I wish that all people had the opportunity to watch this because it would open their eyes to problems that still go on today, and soften hearts.

Patrik 1,5 – CATCH IT (B+) Patrick 1.5 is a Swedish movie about Goran and Sven have been cleared for adoption and they have a possibility to adopt a Swedish orphan, Patrik 1,5. But when Patrik arrives he turns out to be someone else, not the little boy they were expecting. A comma had been misplaced, and in comes a 15-year-old homophobic with a criminal past. Patrik 1.5 is hilarious and movie at the same times. it take cares the sensitive issue with humor and the whole family dimension makes this movie more endearing. Gustaf Skarsgård brother of Alexander Skarsgård & Torkel Petersson as couple are great. But I have to say Tom Ljungman steals the show with witty humor and hidden emotions underneath the callous attitude. I personally enjoyed the movie a lot, so if you're into a family dram with sarcastic humor. This one is for you. Loved it!

.....guy....this Goran....this Gustaf Skarsgard....this standout performer.

Once you've seen this little film, you will realize it is this actor who is the heart and the soul of this story-with-a-twist. Here's a performer whose every thought is readable in his face.....whose every emotion makes its way across to us. And you know what is extra special about this? It's that no one can just "act" these things; these are things you have to "be"....within yourself. In other words, I think the Skarsgard we see on screen is the very same man off screen---and who of us wouldn't want a someone like that?

And if Skarsgard is all of that, then it is Tom Ljungman, as Patrik, who is the zest and the vitality of this movie....the one who makes it all gel. Wherever Sweden was able to come up with such an accomplished SIXTEEN year old is beyond me. The only thing left to say about this young man is, "Gustaf Skarsgard, you'd better watch out; someone is hard on your heels."

Oh, and I don't think any of us would kick a Torkel Petersson (Sven) out of....ahem...., either.

Postscript for The Wonderful Director (Underbar Direktör): Dear Ella Lemhagen....The ONLY thing this most satisfied movie viewer could think of to change in this exceptional film would be the Closing Credits and its "Crosscountry Run." Of course, you know the place I mean (new viewers will have to see it for themselves). A full of Urin + Vinegar Patrik (Age 1.5) would be in the "leading lane".....followed closely by Daddy Goran.....then Papa Sven.....and bringing up the rear, daughter Isabell (who can even keep Patrik on his toes).

****