Fränk

While travelling to Tallinn this summer and saw the advertisment for Fränk and was happy to find out it has English subtitles. Knowing nothing about modern Estonian movies I had no expectations but I was really impressed and touched by what I saw.

It's a great story giving everyone a chance to reflect on some of their own behaviour towards others, especially if talking anger you can't explain.

Watching the movie, this unsettling feeling keeps growing inside of you, drawing you into the life of characters.

Additionally worth mentioning very esthetic videography that helps to intensify the story even more.

I admit it is a well made film which shows more than tells etc., but it is also really ugly and disturbing and uncomfortable and gross. That´s the goal, it will not show you pretty things or events, the beauty is under the surface in the peace and healing found though softly glimmering moments of understanding and acceptance.

If you have ever experienced violence or trauma, the unspoken psychological angst will be both familiar and unbearable. But it is also hopeful and encouraging, reminding us that our tomorrow is a continuous active choice not something inevitable that we passively accept. So even if it is hard, stick it out because it will be ok. Kudos to the young actors who ploughed through the nasty and the gross with such aloofness and thuglike charm.

Also I want to point out there is a really cool cat in this movie, and that animals need their own category in movie awards.