Updated Dec 29 2015
Holiday season is yet again upon us. Rather than the mainstream Ho-Ho-Ho Santa with a belly full of jelly story, I urge children and adults of all ages to treat themselves to a different look at the man on the sleigh. An unique take on the man behind all the elf-laboured toys, and interestingly, a very applicable example of finding re-employment after involuntary termination (what? yeah what is right). Suffice to say , this is not going to be your ordinary Christmas tale. I, the expert of nothing, present to you: Rare Exports (2010).
Rare Exports is a Finnish film by writer/director Jalmari Helander. A re-telling of an age-old tale: a drilling team funded by a mysterious American scientist/anthropologist (?) started digging at a nearby mountain next to the homes of a group of reindeer herders. After using considerable means to get the “sample” that they wanted, strange events started to happen in the village and caused the herders to suffer significant financial damage. While the herders are convinced that it is the American who is responsible for their financial woes, the son of one of the locals, Pietari, (Onni Tommila ) knew better. A precocious child, Pietari investigates and realizes that their enemy isn’t the American, but a force much more ancient and far more sinister than the world knows it to be.
When one is dealing with a re-telling of a well-known story, it can be a tricky business. Because the original is so familiar to most, a different take on it can be hard to swallow. On top of everything else, this movie was very weirdly marketed judging from its trailer and DVD cover. Based on the trailer, you’d think this is yet another stupid holiday season slasher/horror film with idiotic characters doing silly things and having incomprehensible reactions in life & death situations. But once you get past the packaging, underneath is a well-written story about courage, family, and ultimately, what it means to be a hero. I can think of no better way to sum up the holiday spirit.
When one is dealing with a re-telling of a well-known story, it can be a tricky business. Because the original is so familiar to most, a different take on it can be hard to swallow. On top of everything else, this movie was very weirdly marketed judging from its trailer and DVD cover. Based on the trailer, you’d think this is yet another stupid holiday season slasher/horror film with idiotic characters doing silly things and having incomprehensible reactions in life & death situations. But once you get past the packaging, underneath is a well-written story about courage, family, and ultimately, what it means to be a hero. I can think of no better way to sum up the holiday spirit.
So gather your love ones, sit by the fireplace and try a different cup of tea. A true family film for a family themed holiday, Rare Exports will provide you with some rare good time. My name is Danny and I endorse this message.
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