Bloody Angels

1732 Høtten (Bloody Angels) is not a typical norwegian movie but it has received typically norwegian criticism. There seems to be a trend in Norway to call norwegian films you don't like "typically Norwegian". But I tell you, this film is nothing to be ashamed of!

Not many films from both Norway and abroad will be able to give you shivers like this, hardly any film of this genre gets stuck to your mind. It makes you annoyed, it makes you sick, it makes you depraved and finally, at the end, in a sick and twisted way - you get your revenge. But the film has weaknesses, and the most annoying is the script. It could have been so much better so it won't receive a top rating from me. But go rent it today!

The film follows the traditional storyline: big city detective Nicholas Ramm in a small town, trying to solve a horrendous crime, dealing with the townspeople who want to take care of the problem themselves. Vigilante justice is explored in detail and it is obvious what side the filmmaker, Karin Julsrud, is on. It was easy for me to side with Julsrud's outrage. I was a bit worried with the red herrings coming true, making the film a little too convenient but thankfully they didn't. When the twist comes, it is unexpected but (and this is a big but), I think Julsrud paints herself in a corner. Ramm's actions at this point are a little out of character and seem to be more of a way to clean things up. In this day of extensive media coverage of awful crimes, emotions are often manipulated and I thank this movie for making me more aware of how easy this is but as a film, I can't say it was a success.

Clearly the Norwegian jury doesn't agree (read the other comments) but I think this Scandinavian take on David Lynch's TWIN PEAKS (hey, that's what they're marketing it as, so call me lazy, see if I care !) is one of the more startling cinematic experiences to come along in many a year. First time director Karin Julsrud didn't intend her fable of how violence can only breed more of the same to be taken as a documentary but as the idiosyncratic mix of drama, comedy and horror which led publicists to make the comparison in the first place. Unlike Lynch however, Julsrud doesn't let the viewers off the hook at film's end with a far-fetched supernatural conclusion but forces them to confront their own dark side by making some of the violent outbursts her film suggests (but rarely shows) seem 'righteous' at first, though that doesn't stop them from poisoning the close-knit society they sprang from. Opening with an atonal rendition of 'When the Saints Come Marching In', this spellbinding thriller charts the investigation led by big city cop Nicholas Ramm into the small town murders of a mentally retarded girl and one of the alleged perpetrators of that crime. To reveal more would take away much of the film's pleasures as well as shocks. Progressing thoughtfully, Julsrud has enlivened her narrative with such a wealth of telling details that you may need to see this one more than once. I for one welcome that prospect.

I had some expectations to this movie, and at least I hoped it would live up to one or two of them. But it didn't. It's an all so typical Norwegian film that I'm ashamed. I must say, the only Norwegian film I've ever seen and liked was "Moerkets oey" with a great soundtrack from the Norwegian band Seigmen. 1732 Hoetten, by the way, had Magne Furuholmen from A-Ha behind the music. Not that it could save this film.

There comes a time when you are just tired of seeing the same Norwegian actors in all of our films. I released a big sigh when Aud Schøneman showed up..not that she's not a fantastic old lady, but can't they find *anybody* new? And of course, they mix in some swedish actors. That's funny, I haven't seen many norwegians in Swedish or danish movies, but still somehow we always seem to import those Swedes..I'm quite sure we have enough competent Norwegian actors that can replace some of the old faces, and some of the Swedes..but they never seem to get a chance to enter the film industry.

The classical setting is of course all taken care of. A hillbilly's town far up north, where everyone knows everyone, and gangs of elder boys torture the youngsters. A strange priest, and a weird family. A girl that is killed. The awful torture of this one little boy, the horrible school. And a really cynical and strange expert from the police in a bigger city, whom is supposed to fix all their problems.

Can't Norway contribute with something new soon? Please?

Not much I can say. I agree that this is probably not exactly realistic especially it being taken place in a small town in a peaceful country like Norway. However, we all should know, its ONLY A MOVIE. It has a tragic and sad story to it, and not only that, some disturbing scenes. However, overall, this is still a great thriller that is worth a watch! It was put together quite well. I'm quite shocked after watching the film, yet also impressed.

9/10