Indie Gems: Let The Right One In

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Foreign Edition!

'Let The Right One In' was technically a made-for-tv movie from Sweden. It came to the States a year later as an independent feature, and made waves as one of the best vampire movies ever made.

The film follows a young boy named Oskar (Kåre Hedebrant) he's 12 years old, bullied at school and doesn't really have any friends. He lives in an apartment complex with his mother (and visits his father every now and then) he has a strange obsession with knives and collects newspaper clippings of murders and trageties. Soon a man and a young girl move in next door and change his life forever. He soon meets Eli (pronounced like Ellie and played by Lina Leandersson). Outside in the snowy courtyard they meet, Eli wearing no coat, hat or mittens yet doesn't feel the cold. She's forgotten how. At first Eli advises Oskar they can't be friends, though Oskar who is no intrigued ignores the matter and politely offers his Rubik's Cube to Eli to play with. They soon grow closer, but Eli has a secret. She's a vampire, she lives off blood. Håkan (Per Ragnar) the man that lives with Eli kills for her and drains his victim's blood. He's soon caught and now Eli must fend for herself and eventually reveal herself to Oskar.

This isn't meant to be a horror film, some places advertise it incorrectly. It's actually a very innocent love story. Sure there is a bit of gore and touchy subject matter, but the first love between the characters is adorable. The acting is great (though I'd recommend watching it with subtitles over the questionable dub) Both leads look to be promising young actors. They are already better than the adults in the film. For those of you that read the book, you understand there is more to Eli then just being a vampire. This bit of info that I won't spoil for you makes the film even more interesting and endearing.

The scenery is beautiful, we get nice shots of snow covered Sweden that look absolutely breathtaking. There is going to be an American Remake titled "Let Me In" that is going to exclude a lot of the so-called "controversial" scenes from this film. I'm sure it won't have the love and the beauty the Swedish film has. See this one before the remake comes out, I promise you will be pleased with the original. Also read the book, it goes into far more detail than the film was allowed.

Recommeded: Yes 4.5/5 stars

Memorable Quote: "Be me for a while. Please, Oscar be me for a little while" - Eli (Lina Leandersson)

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