jukkakuusinen-14411

It's a tough film to watch, for me as an adult, but probably also for the kids, but for different reasons. This is about children being playful at first, cruel then and almost sociopaths as the story evolves. However, at times the film feels manipulative and that's why I can't give it more than 5 stars. The children are often so obnoxious and irritating that you just want to walk out of the theater. I understand that this is a part of the director's plan, but I prefer these things to be served in a more subtle way, that would have made the result so much stronger. The child actors are very good.

This was just running around in circles like a dog chasing its own tail. There was some bark, but no bite. It's visually OK, even though there's a lot of CG around, but the plot just isn't evolving and the characters are very two-dimensional. It's difficult to relate to anyone of them. Also, the actors and director did nothing to make me care for any one of them.

Regarding the story line, it's very thin, often stretching the suspension of disbelief to the limits, but mostly just not interesting enough to get involved in all the shenanigans. Since it looks to have been an expensive project, better writers should have been involved. Also, could have been much shorter.

What I love about this film is the visual recreation of late 1930s atmosphere. Everything from the costumes and hats to cars and interiors is so very authentic and helps to carry the narrative. Makes one want to hop on the plane and check out what Tallinn really looks like.