Sweetwater

I watched Sweetwater in the cinema back in 1988 and the way I remember it it was a really terrible movie. However, with the film's re-release on blu-ray and the positive comments it has received from some persons, I decided to give it another chance. And I can admit that my initial rating of 0.5 stars may have been a bit harsh. There are some redeeming qualities to the film, such as the scenography and the overall atmosphere of impending doom. Additionally, the movie features a fair share of talented actors who deliver decent performances. On the flip side, lead actor Bentein Baardson's performance leaves much to be desired, often appearing as if he's perpetually striking a pose for an 80s album cover. The film actually offers plenty of material that could have been used to create a cool 80s music video. The story, however, remains as clichéd now as it was in 1988. Petronella Barker is young and charming, but her lines are so cringe-worthy that she's unable to showcase her talent, the director seems more eager to showcase her boobs. The dialogue throughout the film is largely absurd, yet the actors deliver it with unwavering pathos.

I have to get it out first; this movie has a score here of 4.9 is a scandal. Have those who have scored actually seen the film? I doubt. For this is both gripping and incredibly insightful.

A society in total decay. We've seen movies like The Road and The Rover that depict survival and people in deep crisis. But I've never seen it better portrayed than in this movie. The plot is based on Knut Faldbakken's novel of the same name. Sweetwater is based on a life that is only about survival. The best and worst qualities in those who cling to life come to the fore. Alliances are built, and strategies for survival lay. The film brings out both the horror of never quite knowing what the day will bring, and the strength it takes to survive in such a world.

In light of what is happening in the world now (2021), with the climate crisis, terror and pandemic, I think Sweetwater is more relevant than ever. Unfortunately.

Lasse Glom's last feature film before turning to TV-series is this dystopian Norwegian dramathriller Sweetwater.

A family is forced to move out of the city after a harrowing war, finding a new place to live on a big landfill, where they are not alone.

Some of the most profilic Norwegian actors at that time is making out the strange humans meeting up at this landfill. Therefore you don't know what to expect, and I like that kind of movies.

The film gives room for thought, which is what dystopian movies pretty much should do.

This film needs a new restored release, and then i think most will see it's qualities. It's even more actual now than what it was back in the cold war era. So give it a go, if you get the chance.

Update: This movie is made available in 2023 when it was released on interregional Blu-Ray Disk by Norwegian Film Classics as the third release in a new series on classics, NFK0003, with subtitles in English, and is supposed to be held in stock for film lovers.