Kongen av Bastøy
Director: Marius Holst
Writer: Dennis Magnusson, Eric Schmid
Based on: true incidents at the Bastøy prison
Cast: Benjamin Helstad, Trond Nilssen, Stellan Skarsgard, Kristoffer Joner, Morten Løvstad, Magnus Langlete
Plot:
In 1915, Bastøy Island is a prison for young boys, ruled by the director Bestyreren (Stellan Skarsgard). One day, two new boys arrive – Erling (Benjamin Helstad) and Ivar (Magnus Langlete). Bestyreren puts both of them in the C company, headed by Bråthen (Kristoffer Joner) and co-prisoner, but almost released Olav (Trond Nilssen). While Ivar just tries to survive the harsh and sadistic circumstances, Erling won’t take anything lying down.
Kongen av Bastøy is a beautifully shot, calm little film that I did not expect to like as much as I did. I expected a more brutal film but I was really touched by it.
Going into the film I expected a pretty brutal affair. And it certainly isn’t a film that shies away from violence. But it’s also not a film that is interested in it, really – instead it’s a film about the need for resistance and rebellion, even if it doesn’t seem to achieve much or change anything.
I don’t know how accurate the film actually is. Erling is certainly a bit idolized in it and the ending does get awfully close to, if not to say gets past, kitsch, but they manage to weave a realistic-feeling story from these ingredients and capture it in beautiful pictures (with a nice soundtrack).
Plus they have a very talented cast. I don’t think I have to mention the awesome that is Stellan Skarsgard, but I was also particularly impressed by the two leads, Trond Nilssen and Benjamin Helstad.
But in the end it’s the story and its message that really stand out and make this film what it is – thoughtful, intelligent and engaging.
Summarising: Definitely recommended.
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