Elina: As If I Didn't Exist
Näkymätön Elina
Elina – Som jag inte fanns

Finland/Sweden 2002 colour 75min Filmlance International AB

***

Drama

cast: Bibi Andersson (Tora Holm), Natalie Minnevik (Elina), Marjaana Maijala (Marta), Henrik Rafaelsen
credits: dir. Klaus Härö, music Tuomas Kantelinen

A story about a small girl in yesterday’s (1950’s) world. Her father dies and her poor family has to survive alone in the big woods. She and her sister and brother has to go to the school where they can speak only Swedish. Elina tries to be a good girl but her teacher seems to hate her. Everything goes wrong, Elina’s only true friend is her father’s ghost.
The film is beautifully shot, but it has not many light moments. Still, the romance that is bubbling under in some scenes, is not so very original idea for this kind of movie. One can say the same about the ending. The actors, especially the girl who plays Elina (Minnevik), are well-picked for their roles. Also Bibi Andersson is great as the tight teacher of Elina. This film works probably best for the children.

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