King of Devil's Island

The chilling true life tale told in the Norwegian drama "King of Devil's Island" is not dissimilar to the topic of a dozen other films I could list without even breaking a sweat. Essentially set in a reform school, if a rather dramatically located one, not much about the story's actual plot will surprise you. Similar narrative arcs have been recounted in numerous books, movies, and TV shows. Yet, I credit the film's screenplay, director, and (especially) its cast for making a well-worn topic seem vital and unexpected. Norway's controversial Bastoy Reform School, set on a remote and desolate island, makes for a memorable setting and this bleak and wintry locale acts almost as one of the piece's central characters. As the fog rolls in or the fjord freezes over, the stark visual imagery and demanding physical environment supports the notion that, at heart, this is a survival drama more than anything else.

A menacing Stellan Skarsgard plays the facility's upright Governor. He has, rightfully, received acclaim for this performance and indeed he is one of the more underrated and versatile actors working today. But foremost, this is a movie that is distinguished by its young cast. Benjamin Helstad plays a new internee with a healthy disrespect for authority. His counterpart is a trustee near the end of his stay played by Trond Nilssen. Despite having very different viewpoints, the boys form an unexpected bond. As their friendship grows, it is easy to see how each actually challenges the other to be a better person. And ultimately, they both seek a world of justice and fairness even if it means standing up against the disciplinary system in place. One case of physical abuse starts a ball rolling that neither seem willing or able to stop. And this gives them the power to forever affect Bastoy.

Both Helstad and Nilssen are instrumental to the film's success and power. As the tensions start to escalate and a movement of rebellion sweeps the school, the movie becomes tense and unforgettable. But because we stay grounded with this central relationship, things never feel unreal or over-the-top. Even in the most harrowing moments of the film, the friendship never lost its focus or my interest. In the end, the quiet scenes have greater poignancy than you might anticipate. I know some people will connect with the grand spectacle, but I stayed firmly invested in the more intimate drama. I loved "King of Devil's Island" for its depiction of friendship, loyalty, and the pursuit of justice. The topic of reform school uprisings has been covered before, but rarely has it felt so genuinely rooted in nobility and rightness. KGHarris, 4/12.

The DVD contains a bonus short film from the United Kingdom called "Bale." It's a dynamic 15 minute film about how harmless childhood pranks can turn deadly serious. The young cast is quite good and it has a stunning visual centerpiece in its enormous hay bale that acts as both a source of wonder and of danger. As an added bonus, if you follow the British iteration of "Being Human"-- Michael Socha (Tom) has a pivotal role. A nice, if not essential, addition that carries over some of the same youthful themes as the film.

KING OF DEVIL'S ISLAND (Kongen av Bastøy) is an experience more than a film. It dares to take the viewer where all is black and white, emotionally and visually, and while the film is shot in color, the only moment of color in this dark, atmospherically eerie snow bound island boys prison is the occasional blood and fire that creates even more of an impact because of the bleak screen that serves as background for the story. Based on a true story by Mette M. Bølstad and Lars Saabye Christensen and adapted for the screen by Dennis Magnusson and Eric Schmid, the fine cast is directed by Marius Holst.

In 1915 on the island Bastøy, located in the Oslo fjord, live a group of delinquent, young boys aged 11 to 18 in the Bastøy Boys Reform School. The boys daily, sadistic regime is run by the guards and Governor Bestyreren (Stellan Skarsgård) who is stern but seemingly fair in his management of the reform school (his wife lives with him in an opulent manner). But the Housemaster, a smarmy pedophile names Master Bråthen (Kristoffer Joner), is cruel and malicious and bestows both mental and physical abuse on the boys: the boys are used for cheap manual labor rather than being schooled and `corrected' to return to society. The boys attempt to survive by adapting to their inhumane conditions. One day a new 17 year old boy, Erling who is assigned the `name' C19 (Benjamin Helstad), arrives with his own agenda: how to escape from the island. How far is he willing to go in order to get his freedom? There is a stalwart lad Ivar/C5 (Magnus Langlete) who is due for release and a rather frail lad Olav/C1 (Trond Nilssen) who falls victim to the Master: these lads are C19's colleagues. After a tragic incident takes place, Erling ends up forced into the destinies of the other boys by leading them into a violent uprising. Once the boys manage to take over Bastøy 150 government soldiers are sent in to restore order. How he maneuvers the escape fantasy brings a surprising ending to the story.

The acting is first rate from a fine group of young actors. The cinematography is by John Andreas Andersen and the haunting musical score is by Johan Söderqvist. In Norwegian with English subtitles. A moody, deeply moving work. Grady Harp, February 12

Winner of the Palmera De Oro prize (Golden Palm) for Best Film of the Year, from Mostra de Valencia Film Festival/ Spain.

Stunning cinematography! Mesmerizing beautiful shots of the woods in heavy snow. Exteriors filmed in Estonia. (Baltics, Northern Europe)

Based on actual events in 1915, King of Devil's Island tastefully tells the sad story of The Bastøy Boys Reform School in Oslo, Norway. Despite the beauty that surrounds it, Bastøy is run by a corrupt regime. Lack of food, clothing, blankets and heat, are just some of the brutal conditions the boys are forced to suffer. The corrupt Governor Bestyreren (Stellan Skarsgård) and pedophile Dorm Master Bråthen (Kristoffer Joner) use intimidation and hard labor to control the boys. When inmate Erling (Benjamin Helstad) arrives, the boys gain the courage to stand up for themselves. Then tragedy strikes, which leads to a violent uprising. Then the Norwegian military arrive by ship to take back Bastøy...

Strong performances from award winning actors Stellan Skarsgård of Sweden and Kristoffer Joner of Norway.

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