The main character Erik Ponti (Andreas Wilson) is 16 years old and is abused daily by his stepfather (Johan Rabeus). The stepfather is a sadist, and while he enjoys tormenting young Erik, his mother (Marie Richardson) plays classical music on the piano — during the beatings occurring in the adjacent room...
Erik is expelled and sent to the Stjärnsberg boarding school. It turns out he has gone from the frying pan into the fire. At Stjärnsberg, "peer education" reigns — an oppressive system sanctioned by the leadership and exercised by older students. The chief tormentor is Otto Silverhielm (Gustaf Skarsgård), a weak nature who likely tasted the rod at home and now takes it out on others. The adults watch on, like the pigs they are...
The loathsome Evil that leaves lifelong scars... An engaging film with a truly fantastic cast!
The wonderful waitress Marja (Linda Zilliacus) falls in love with Erik, leading him into the sweet labyrinth of love. But even that does not go unpunished. Based on Jan Guillou's autobiographical bestseller, this is a fantastic production with excellent direction by Mikael Håfström.
Reviewed by Iva (September 2003) [Note: Contains strong scenes]
