King of Devil's Island (2011)
TOMATOMETER
AUDIENCE SCORE
Critic Consensus: Scandinavian in the most bleakly satisfying way, King of Devil's Island satisfies with a richly layered narrative and a typically strong performance from Stellan Skarsgard.
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Movie Info
This true story of the infamous Bastøy Boys Home correctional facility in Norway, begins with the arrival of seventeen-year-old Erling, a rumored murderer. He immediately clashes with the island facility's governor (Stellan Skarsgård), who believes manual labor, rigid discipline, and harsh punishment are the only methods that can turn the boys into honorable members of society. Refusing to accept the constant abuse, Erling slowly rouses the rest of the boys out of their resigned existence, and … More
| Rating: | Unrated |
| Genre: | Drama, Action & Adventure, Art House & International |
| Directed By: | Marius Holst |
| Written By: | Mette M. Bølstad, Lars Saabye Christensen, Dennis Magnusson, Eric Schmid |
| In Theaters: | Nov 18, 2011 Limited |
| On DVD: | Apr 10, 2012 |
| Runtime: |
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Cast
as Governor/Bestyreren
as Bråthen
as Erling
as Astrid
as Olav
as Ivar
as Policeman
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LoginCritic Reviews for King of Devil's Island
All Critics (44) | Top Critics (13) | Fresh (41) | Rotten (3) | DVD (1)
Rather one-note in its bleakness, and doesn't have a vast amount to say beyond 'reform school sucks'.
Possibly no one else does "grim" with as much unsparing enthusiasm as the Scandinavians.
Skarsgard is riveting throughout as a man whose high morality is steeped in hypocrisy and whose mask of civility easily slips, when challenged, to reveal the monster beneath.
It's a very measured account of how men will accept their fates to a degree, slowly coil up and then spring with anger.
A slow-burning but satisfying drama that persuasively blends elements of Scum and Papillon.
The acting is superb and director Marius Holst's embellishment of the facts keeps your attention throughout.
Audience Reviews for King of Devil's Island
Ok. I am convinced..Stellan Skarsgard + movie role = quality film! This based-on-a-true-story film is top-notch good. This is what great filmmaking is all about. A magnificent, and unforgettable film. Every scene is perfect, each actor's performance is spot on. If this movie doesn't touch you on some level, I don't know what will. My ONLY complaint is there was no follow up summary, but I guess we can all google things these days..so I forgive them...
Super Reviewer
For those who like true stories and abhor cruelty and injustice, this is your film.
Super Reviewer
'The King of Devil's Island'. A sobering tale on the abuse of power and the small rebellions that can lead to outright chaos.
The grim, beautiful Norwegian winter plays a fine backdrop to all round solid performances.
Super Reviewer
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