The Ark of the Witch

Wow, great movie! This is by far the best fantasy/horror/art-house, or what ever you wish to call it, film that I have seen in many years! I think perhaps a new genre has been born, Seppälä! I hope and expect much more from these guys, our Jenkki cousins! The Seppälä brothers have created a very haunting experience, and have done a great job combing elements of the Finnish underworld with the real world in a very surreal and very weird, twisted manner.

If you like things surreal and weird, this is a must see! Also, I found this by accident on Vimeo, but I see from the facebook page it is also available on vhx.TV, I hope it comes to theatre!

Todella hyvä elokuva!

The Ark of The Witch - Great title, sadly the best part of the production. I'm not overly critical as a rule, but I have to balance out the other 2 reviews a bit. I understand these are fledgling filmmakers; you have to start somewhere and it's a fine first effort. HOWEVER, the whole 'Art' thing the other two reviewers are referring to is non-existent. The film starts off about 100 years ago, then switches to the present; why oh WHY do they apply an 'old film' effect to the -entire movie-?! It makes no sense and adds nothing. Also, poor sound, the bane of low-budget film, is evident. Random double/multiple image shots abound which don't help make sense of what you're seeing at all. Special effect should serve a purpose; here it just seems like they thought it looked cool so let's throw it in there. I could go on (and on) but I think you get the idea.

I have been waiting for this movie to come out for a little while now and I was not disappointed at all. It was great from the very being of the movie. I love the art of this movie and you can see that this was not one of those Hollywood movies that was smashed together and put in theaters. The composition of the settings and each scene was artistically done. The plot of the story was well crafted. You can tell that a lot of time was spent on this film. The effects of the movie are incredible but most importantly, they are not over done as they are in cheap, no substance movies. I can not say enough how beautifully artistic this movie is. I love the arts and this movie satisfied my artistic hunger that I seek in every movie that I have ever watched. It was easy to follow along with the movie. Even better it was incredible how I could relate to the characters, particularly Carl, about how it feels to be in such a hot spot.

I am not sure what the writers and producers were thinking on this one. Maybe it all looked good on paper, but it certainly doesn't translate well to film. Considering the production was allegedly plagued with financial troubles, I guess this is what you are left with. Sorry Shepis' name has to be attached to it.