The Glassblower's Children

A bizarre, confusing fairy-tale not really intended for children, "Glasblåsarns Barn" is the kind of film one would wish they could send as an Oscar candidate for best foreign film. It is odd, mysterious and strange - very strange, with characters that defy the imagination: a ruler who can't say "thank you", an enormous, disgusting and evil nanny and a witch take part in this story, set in rural Sweden sometime in the 19th century. Two children are kidnapped by the ruler of a nearby castle, where all memories are lost, just to satisfy his spoiled, self-satisfied but troubled lover and wife. Rebellious and confused, the children are a strain on everyone, and finally a tyrannous nanny is sent for to look after them. Meanwhile, the devastated parents are at a loss for what to do, and seek the help of a witch-like neighbor.

This is craftsmanship - a one-of-a-kind movie with a sense of wonder and mystery. Very moody and heavily symbolic, the fairy tale is brought to lífe by brilliant acting, beautiful camera work and a fascinating story. The actors, Stellan Skarsgård, Pernilla August, Elin Klinga and Ewa Fröling among others, are of the Swedish elite and do their very best in this film. It is sometimes very funny but generally pretty ominous and frightening. Great work.