En som Hodder

One of the great real tragedies of the human condition is the regrettable fact that what children are used to, they regard as "normal".

This context is not just relevant in cases of physical or sexual abuse. In this fine family film "En Som Hodder", we share the sorrows of Hodder Emanuel Jacobsen: he barely remembers his late mother, and when she comes to him in his dreams, he doesn't even know her and thinks she is a fairy. All his classmates treat him with detached contempt, eventually trying to lure him into suicide. His father works night, and the man can scarcely relate to his son at all, try though he might.

I said that we share Hodder's sorrows, but that's not quite true: Hodder doesn't quite realize that he misses his mother terribly and that he is desperately, desperately lonely---though we can see this all too clearly.

Fortunately for him, his irrepressibly charming innocence enables some people with problems to see that Hodder can be a true friend, in a land and time where true friends are rare and valuable.

Engaging and stylish, moody at times. Great music and cinematography. Convincing performances all around.

Ultimately, however, the story fails to chew what it bites off in the first three thirds of the film, and the wrap seems a bit rushed. Not "Let's slap a Hollywood-happy ending on this" rushed, more like "Oops, we painted ourselves into a corner and getting out would take time, so let's just blunder out the way we just painted" rushed.

I haven't read Reuter's novel, so I can't say if it's faithful, but then, I never cared much for him anyway. Kim Fupz Aakeson writes much better and funnier stories.

it wasn´t easy to watch this one in german cinemas, only showing on early afternoon for about two weeks. that is definitely too short, because this flick would have earned a larger audience. it´s about good and bad times of schoolboy hodder, and how he is treating with those times. actually it´s about not giving up what you believe in, but stick to it and do what you feel is right. i liked all of the cast, and each of the characters is believable and very well-written. a film to watch with your kids or your partner or whoever. absolutely recommended. 8 of 10.