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A weak, dyslexic boy is bullied in school. His Tarzan obsessed dad calls him Rubber Tarzan. He makes a friend in crane driver Ole, who tells him: There's always something, you're good at. Yo... Read allA weak, dyslexic boy is bullied in school. His Tarzan obsessed dad calls him Rubber Tarzan. He makes a friend in crane driver Ole, who tells him: There's always something, you're good at. You just have to know what it is.A weak, dyslexic boy is bullied in school. His Tarzan obsessed dad calls him Rubber Tarzan. He makes a friend in crane driver Ole, who tells him: There's always something, you're good at. You just have to know what it is.
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This movie bring lots of memories to me. I use to watch this movie every time my cousin would come to my house. He was a fan of that movie. I think I still have it somewhere in my stuff. The story is simple... A little weak boy,who's having a bad time in school and at home find a friend into a crane driver. He's told that one of the container can makes your dream almost come true. Anyway...Funny parts in the movie and sad ones too. Worth to see. It's a kid movie but also good for adult since it's also a drama etc... The movie is Danish and I never really seen the actors anywhere after. I must say that I'm from Canada so I didn't see lots of Danish movies but still the movie was well done and showed what it needed too.
This film bears no resemblance to its source material, the books, nor to the "Gummi-Tarzan" that fans cherish; it fails to even make an attempt. The books were replete with humor, entertainment, and a delightful superpower component, whereas this adaptation is decidedly disheartening. I struggle to comprehend the decision to produce this film under the "Gummi-Tarzan" moniker, as it shares no connection with the original series. As a child, I recall watching this and waiting with bated breath for the appearance of superpowers, only to be met with perpetual disappointment. The absence of these extraordinary abilities, a defining aspect of Gummi-Tarzan, feels like a blatant disregard for the series' primary allure.
This film is akin to a Spider-Man adaptation in which, rather than possessing superpowers, the protagonist is simply a teenager with a penchant for climbing, earning him the nickname "Spider-Man" from his father. The disparity between the lighthearted, whimsical, and amusing nature of the books and the somber, melancholic, and bleak tone of the movie is striking.
While the movie itself may be passable, it is difficult to reconcile the transformation of a beloved childhood book series, replete with superpowers, whimsy, and humor, into a slower-paced, grounded, introspective, and reflective film devoid of fantastical elements.
Regrettably, the movie feels like a betrayal to the character of Gummi Tarzan, and could be perceived as false advertising.
This film is akin to a Spider-Man adaptation in which, rather than possessing superpowers, the protagonist is simply a teenager with a penchant for climbing, earning him the nickname "Spider-Man" from his father. The disparity between the lighthearted, whimsical, and amusing nature of the books and the somber, melancholic, and bleak tone of the movie is striking.
While the movie itself may be passable, it is difficult to reconcile the transformation of a beloved childhood book series, replete with superpowers, whimsy, and humor, into a slower-paced, grounded, introspective, and reflective film devoid of fantastical elements.
Regrettably, the movie feels like a betrayal to the character of Gummi Tarzan, and could be perceived as false advertising.
At first glance, Rubber Tarzan might seem like a familiar tale... a lonely boy ignored by his overworked father, misunderstood by his distracted mother, bullied at school, and seeking refuge in the kindness of an outsider. But dismissing it as another predictable underdog story would do a disservice to its warmth, subtlety, and emotional depth.
What begins as a standard coming-of-age setup gradually transforms into something far more meaningful. It tells its story with a refreshing sincerity that makes every moment feel honest and earned. The boy's emotional journey, from invisibility and humiliation to quiet courage and dignity, is told with a gentle touch that lingers long after the credits roll.
What sets Rubber Tarzan apart is its ability to find purity in Ivan's struggle. Not through grand acts or dramatic twists, but in small, human moments. A shared gaze, a look of understanding, or a hard-won smile all compliment that soft-spoken voice of innocence. The performances, especially from the young lead, are authentic and moving, never forced or exaggerated.
This is a film about feeling small in a world that doesn't listen. But it's also about the quiet strength it takes to stay kind, to dream, and to believe in yourself even when no one else does. And in that, Rubber Tarzan is not just a story for children, but a reminder for all of us: being different isn't a weakness. It's a quiet kind of superpower. I'm pretty sure even Dad learned from it too.
What begins as a standard coming-of-age setup gradually transforms into something far more meaningful. It tells its story with a refreshing sincerity that makes every moment feel honest and earned. The boy's emotional journey, from invisibility and humiliation to quiet courage and dignity, is told with a gentle touch that lingers long after the credits roll.
What sets Rubber Tarzan apart is its ability to find purity in Ivan's struggle. Not through grand acts or dramatic twists, but in small, human moments. A shared gaze, a look of understanding, or a hard-won smile all compliment that soft-spoken voice of innocence. The performances, especially from the young lead, are authentic and moving, never forced or exaggerated.
This is a film about feeling small in a world that doesn't listen. But it's also about the quiet strength it takes to stay kind, to dream, and to believe in yourself even when no one else does. And in that, Rubber Tarzan is not just a story for children, but a reminder for all of us: being different isn't a weakness. It's a quiet kind of superpower. I'm pretty sure even Dad learned from it too.
This masterpiece is originally a childrens film but it can be seen (and should be seen) by anyone and everyone! Funny and sad at the same time it reminds us once more why we should be ourselves. The 8 year old Ivan will never be the strongest boy in the schoolyard nor the top student in his class - because he isn´t meant to be these things. He is meant to be Ivan - and in the end it´s not that bad after all.
Did you know
- TriviaDan Lausten, the cinematographer of the film is now a well known Oscar-nominated cinematographer in Hollywood. He previously worked on "The Shape of Water", winner of best motion picture of the year in 2018.
- Quotes
The crane driver: There is always something you're good at. You just have to figure out what it is.
- ConnectionsFeatured in Weekend Weekend: Episode #1.3 (2011)
- How long is Rubber Tarzan?Powered by Alexa
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- Rubber Tarzan
- Production company
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
- Runtime
- 1h 38m(98 min)
- Color
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