Cubussoli Very very predictable, including the post credit scene !!!

Vashirdfel Simply A Masterpiece

Raetsonwe Redundant and unnecessary.

Ensofter Overrated and overhyped

Bene Cumb Based on true events, this one of the most expensive Norwegian (+Swedish, Estonian) film was shot primarily in my home country - thus, apart from a good film experience, I had a joy of recognition vis-a-vis places and actors (although Estonian ones had mute or 1-2 word roles only). Anyway, the Norwegian background and spirit with gloom and misery in a closed penal institution were well captured, and all the leading characters were skillfully elaborated and performed (especially Stellan Skarsgård as Håkon, Benjamin Helstad as Erling "C19", Trond Nilssen as Olav "C1"). Most of the screenplay is focused, however, on the "normal" routine in the establishment, boys versus staff, the rebellion itself and its consequences are shown in a limited time and space (I would have liked to know what happened to the revolting boys, and how the usual living was restored). Nevertheless, Kongen av Bastøy is a strong drama, giving food for thought long after the credits disappear.

Robyn Nesbitt (nesfilmreviews) Heart rendering true story about an uprising at a notorious correctional facility for juveniles on a Norwegian island. When a new prisoner arrives Erling (Ben Helstand), his unrelenting passion to escape, prevail against repression, and rebel against authority figures immediately puts him in hot water. The young men in this facility must endure horrendous conditions, as well as physical and mental abuse daily. Eriling's unflinching bravery eventually and collectively inspires and galvanizes these young men together in their life altering uprising against oppression. At first, the young men are unnamed (assigned numbers), completely alone, and without much hope for the future. However, Eriling's tenacious spirit leads to uniting broken spirits, establishing relationships, and not to be afraid to follow your dreams. The cinematography and barren landscape perfectly captures and enhances the cold- hearted spirit of the corrections facility, and the people who run it. The metaphor that is used throughout the film, and the evolving story of the "harpooner" is just perfect. Never falls victim to cheap melodrama; inspirational and touching. Impressive achievement by director Marius Hoist. Both performances by Stellan Skarsgard and Benjamin Heistad are simply marvelous.

kjetilsj It's such a shame the Norwegian Committee did not choose this film as the contender for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.The acting is top notch from all the main characters. Kristoffer Joner and Stellan Skarsgård's characters really gives you the chill, but the actors that really surprised was the newcomers Trond Nilssen and Benjamin Helstad characters. They delivered the best dialogs and very convincing acting.If you are a sucker for true stories about injustice, mental and physical abuse and uprising against a brutal regime, then go watch this film now! Forget about The Troll Hunter, this is probably one of the best Norwegian films from the last decades.

paulkazee This is a very solid film. I do not understand why one of the other reviewers felt the boys were not sympathetic. Only one of the kids appears to have committed a serious crime. The others are there for petty things like stealing change from a church collection basket. That said, as good as the film is, it is not clear how much of it is really history, and how much just conjecture. I've read elsewhere that the only part of the film that is known to be true is that there was a revolt and that soldiers responded from the mainland (one of only two times the Norwegian government has trained its guns on its own citizens). The reasons behind the revolt are said to be mere conjecture.