Elina - Als ob es mich nicht gäbe

This a film that actually moved me.

First of all because it's a Finnish film. And also a good

Second of all because it is about a minority in society.

It's quite interesting that today Swedish is a minority in Finland.. So if a film like this was done today it could be about an other minority.. many things have changed since the fifties..

One thing that really spoke to me was that the girl was so determined and brave to always do the right thing. I wish I had her courage!

It is a fantastic movie, worth seeing..For everybody who wants something to think about.

-Lotta

Children's movies quite often tell stories considering important moral issues. They often have purposes others than to entertain, and therefore have to find the way to get the child audience interested by other means than mindless action. That kind of films should have all the qualities needed to offer something for the adults also.

"Elina -Som jag inte fanns" has a message working on two levels. It is about basic civil rights. On general level, it remind us on how important it is for people to be allowed and able to use their own language. On personal level, it is about our right of seeing the world as we wish. In this case, the perspective is the one of a Finnish-speaking child in Sweden.

In Scandinavia people are, in general, fairly free to believe in gods, spirits, aliens, even gnomes and elves if they wish. (At least when they keep it to themselves.) These rights are so important that it is always worth the money and effort to tell a story about them. However, that is what this movie lacks. A good story. Of course I'm happy to see a children's movie with no unnecessary action and violence, but the lack of a plot makes me wonder if this is actually more suitable for adults. The film fortunately has some humorous scenes, with good taste also, but that does not really cover up for the lack of a story. However good the atmosphere and the message, face the fact: Children deserve a little bit more adventurous movies than this.

Basically, this is a movie about the little people's rights. The message pretty much reflects the attitudes in today's Scandinavia. We encourage our children to grow up to be independent and aware of their rights. But looking at the youth of today, maybe it would be time to make a movie of the importance of the safety provided by the limits and even discipline?

The northern nature is both beautiful and described in a realistic way. The movie also has some historical value, as it shows us the reality of cultural discrimination from the children's point of view, so often forgotten. It combines a little bit of fantasy with the harsh reality. Therefore it is good for the adults and even better for the children, if you manage to get them to watch something as serious as this. 7/10

The film Elina - Som om jag inte fanns is set in the early 1950 when poverty was common in rural northern Sweden. A young girl named Elina who had recovered from tuberculosis wandered to the moor everyday where she spoke to her dead father, because unlike her indifferent teacher Ms. Holm, he might be the only "person" that would listen to young Elina….

Elina - Som om jag inte fanns is a Sweden- Finnish film. The story of the film is universal, although it sets in the area on the Swedish side of border between Finland and Sweden. Except for the lack of ornamentation, it is a sweet story focusing on dimensions of people. This film treats children's world of mind in a much careful and understanding way. Elina is a gentle, innocent character who is a isolated from others and the society. The acting is quite convincing and the story thought provoking. Overall, I highly recommend this film to people who care about childrent's worlds.

This is one of my favorite movies. It is breathtakingly beautiful with many outdoor shots. I am a guy with a short attention span, and I get bored quickly but even though this movie was going on at a leisurely pace it still had me spellbound.

It has an amazingly simple plot, a clash of wills between a teacher and a student. It is one of those rare movies that show a child's point of view in a truthful and refreshing manner without over-dramatizing. Acting by everybody concerned is exceptional especially Bibi Andersson as Tora Holm and Natalie Minnevik as Elina.

If you are reading this review give this movie a chance.

Wonderful movie for children, which should be addressed for adult/family audiences as well. Clear minded and straight ahead story with terrific children actors, shot in a breathtaking landscape, about a stubborn and righteous girl (11), fighting for her rights, getting into deadly trouble, but finally succeeding against all odds and against the majority of everybody else. Very touching, moving, striking, just wonderful. Obviously (almost) only the Scandinavian countries are able to produce such intense, rich and wonderful family films. Seen on the award ceremony of childrens section of Berlin Filmfestival 2003, where the film, with good reason, won the main award.