Tjuvheder

Tjuvheder (or Drifters for the English title) is watchable but I've not been wowed by it. The cast consists of a lot of people that clearly had that kind of life they're playing in the movie, drug addicts and homeless people. They did a good job though, I guess they just acted like they normally act in real life. Because that's basically what this movie is, a sort of documentary of the hard street life, a drama where it's hard to leave from once you're going down that spiral. Every big city has its addicts, we've all seen them before, and if you never witnessed it just watch this movie because it's tragically the same.

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.

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.

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.)

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.