Evil

Until I read some of the other reviews here I was not aware of the book or film, so I watched with no previous knowledge of the story. This is an excellent Swedish drama set in a boys boarding school in 1959. The school is effectively run by 'the prefects' who rule the younger boys with intimidation and violence. While this 'evil' is occurring the teachers keep out of the way, but are clearly aware of the brutality. If this sort of thing was prevalent in late 50's Sweden it's a bit of an eye opener and a long way from the 'niceness' that is ABBA. When Eric is sent there, being the only establishment that will accept him because of his own violent history, the prefects are not prepared for his challenging of their authority, so do their best to break him. A lot of moral statements are made in each episode as to why some people behave in this way. In Erics case he is regularly beaten by his father and witnesses his mother getting similar treatment, so takes out his anger on fellow pupils until he is expelled and sent to the boarding school. To add some light to the dark Eric has a relationship with a pretty kitchen assistant Marja which is strictly forbidden, of course. I found this a compelling series and at just six forty minute episodes it does not out stay it's welcome.