Tjuvheder

The movie 'Tjuvheder' has received great reviews in the media - with good reason. A rough and authentic portrayal of the lower depths of society. Definitely among the most realistic I've seen. Translated to English the Swedish title means "Honor Among Thieves" - which can be understood as: the concept that criminals do not compromise the activities of other criminals. It can also mean that even corrupt or criminal individuals can possess some form of honor, justice, or moral code. The movie questions this honor in an excellent way.

The performances are so brilliant, it makes you question whether it's really acting. Several of the actors has lived, or are still living, this life for real - a factor which probably has contributed to making them so great at portraying their roles. The characters are whole, with both gruesome and charming sides. The same goes for the community among them. The movie captured my attention from beginning to end, and will probably capture yours too.

'Tjuvheder' has my highest recommendation. I hope it will be seen by a wide audience.

The film, set in the underbelly of Stockholm, Sweden, attempts to depict the harsh realities of homelessness and drug addiction; however, it falls drastically short in its execution. The resulting portrayal is a bleak, dreary, and, ultimately, unengaging experience that does a disservice to the complex issues it attempts to address.

The movie primarily focuses on a group of individuals who are struggling with substance abuse, living on the fringes of society, and engaging in illicit activities to survive. The plot meanders aimlessly, devoid of any clear narrative structure or character development, leaving the audience to witness a series of unfortunate events with no discernible purpose or resolution. This lack of direction makes it nearly impossible to invest emotionally in the characters' struggles or find a sense of meaning in their stories.

The acting, regrettably, does not elevate the material. Performances often feel wooden and one-dimensional, as the actors fail to capture the depth and nuance required to portray the complex emotions that come with addiction and homelessness. It becomes increasingly difficult to empathize with or connect to any of the characters on screen, which only serves to further distance the viewer from the film's intended message.

Moreover, the movie's portrayal of homelessness and drug addiction is reductive and superficial. Instead of exploring the root causes and systemic issues that contribute to these problems, the film chooses to wallow in misery without providing any context or insight. This surface-level treatment of such weighty themes ultimately undermines the film's potential to raise awareness or generate empathy for those who are affected by these issues in real life.

In terms of cinematography and direction, the movie offers little to redeem itself. The bleak visuals, while perhaps intended to convey the grim realities of life on the streets, become monotonous and tiresome after a while. Similarly, the direction lacks any semblance of creativity or innovation that might have provided some respite from the unrelenting despair on screen.

In conclusion, this movie squanders its potential to shed light on important social issues by presenting a disjointed narrative, lacklustre performances, and an oversimplified portrayal of homelessness and addiction. Its utter lack of redeeming qualities makes it difficult to recommend this film to anyone looking for a compelling and insightful viewing experience. It is a bleak, unsatisfying film that leaves the audience feeling as empty and desolate as the lives of its characters.

I switched on expecting to see something gritty and heartfelt.

This is more like a documentary about a load of thieving, nomadic kinds who choose not to get a job and contribute.

Nothing happens at all. Talk about drugs, drink, more drugs. Then drugs again. Boring nonsense.

Impeccable writing from Peter Grönlund, with an impressive authenticity in the dialogues. Grönlund's direction is so determined and good, it's hard to believe it's his debut. Malin Levanon is amazing in the lead - and Lo Kauppi is great too.

Drifters talks about compassion and human bonding while giving you a picture of the opposite that's prevalent in the nether part of Stockholm where people are just going by through petty jobs. People who do not have a home, do not have permanent jobs, do not have anything that a regular citizen would have, and above that, are being hawked by the authorities for being anti-social. It is gritty in a way that does not involve any action or blood but makes you think about all the people in the world who are living daily off nothing. It also shows why people turn into drug peddlers and what compassion means in the face of danger. Central actor Malin Levanon puts up a show that is as magnificent as the turn of events in Drifters, a film that is just about essential to watch but not a masterpiece. TN.

(Watched and reviewed at the 24th European Union Film Festival (EUFF India) in Mumbai.)