Charming Men: Part 1 - Julie (2020) User Reviews

Intense performances

[kjellham-674-831408 · 8/10 · 15 November 2021]

For those interested in independent films, I would recommend Charming Men Part One. It's an effective plot about a woman, Julie, who is searching for her missing sister. A stranger who seems to have information on her disappearance exploits her to give her information, small bits at a time. And Julie gets drawn down a dark spiral, all in order to find her missing sister.

It seems to be a low-budget film; the end-credits informed me that it was shot on Canon 5D. The technical quality is good, both regards to picture and sound. I would specially point out the performances of Mia Maria Hauge Wadsworth (Julie) and Magnus Gudmundson (the stranger). They went all in. Especially I liked the portrait of the antagonist, who lives an ordinary family life at one hand, and on the other hand has a hidden life - much darker and sinister. Also, I would say that Mia Maria Hauge Wadsworth as Julie does a great and intense role. It's a difficult role, and she does it without any vanity at all - which pivotal for this role. And off course - good directing of the actors.

As far as can I see, director Thorkell August Ottarson also serves as Cinematographer and Editor in this film. Well done.

What I liked about the film was that it was never predictable - you never know what happens next. It kept me interested and on the-edge-of-the-seat throughout the movie.

All in all - well done! Recommended!

Very pleasantly surprised

[brianstynes · 8/10 · 11 November 2021]

Charming Men Part One - Julie It's possibly difficult to watch Charming Men Part1 - Julie without comparing it to the tale of red riding hood, both stories tell a grim story of the dangers of walking through the woods and the desperate characters found therein.

It also asks the question, how far are you willing to go to find a missing loved one.

Mia Maria Hauge Wadsworth is a revelation in the title role with screen presence to rival any of the greats, she is surrounded by a very impressive cast all of whom are visibly taking the narrative very seriously as indeed they should, hat is tipped to the director for selecting the cast carefully.

I was a little worried that I was going to be watching a film with a "man hating" agenda, but this film steers well clear of any of that, instead, I was treated to well crafted independent film with a powerful story, nuanced performances and impeccably photographed.

I'll be keeping my out for what this director gives us in the future.

And the one man is not so charming after all

[jordondave-28085 · 8/10 · 14 May 2023]

(2020) Charming Men: Part 1- Julie (In Norwegian with English subtitles) PSYCHOLOGICAL DRAMA THRILLER.

Edited, cinematography, produced, co-written and directed by Thorkell August Ottarsson directing a somewhat controversial film that deserves discussion. It opens with a sister, Charlotte (Mirjam Sveinbjörg Thorkelsdottir) gone missing, after she leaves the bus to retrieve red Iphone, as viewers able to see on plane sight she left it on a bench as her sister, Julie (Mia Maria Hauge Wadsworth) living with her live-in girlfriend, Trine was attempting to call her. The movie then jumps three months later, and out of nowhere Julie's phone rings, and immediately she thinks it's her sister Charlotte who was calling, but what we get instead is a man's voice, telling her that he found her sister's phone in the forest and that he is willing to give it back to her. Julie prefers him to drop it off at the police station, except that he would rather remain anonymous and give her the phone himself. And by the time he (Magnus Gudmundssonmeets) with her, which is at a trial blazing park, instead of her giving him money, in exchange for returing her sister's phone he manages to convince her to show him her breasts. And before she leaves, he instructs her to not get the police involve as he claims he may have more tips about her sister's disappearance, placing her into a very difficult situation. And as the movie is progressing, we also get to see what both Julie and Charlotte were arguing about, for it has to do when she allowed her sister to come and live with her.

My rating is geared toward it's controversy, the fact that it was obvious from the get go that the disgusting sleaze played by Magnus Gudmundsson found the phone on a bench, and not in some forest as he claims he has done. That he was exploiting Julie's grief to satisfy his gratification, almost in the same manner heartless con men mostly from Nigeria con older ladies looking for love in exchange for their life savings, except that this may be just as bad or much worse. And the ending is just as controversial as the situation itself, as some may interpret it as he got what he deserve, or that Julie had the opportunity to turn the tables on him by making his life a living hell, once she finally discovers who he is and what he does for a living.

No Charming Men in This One.

[ObscureFilmLover · 6/10 · 17 November 2021]

Julie has a fight with her sister. The movie opens with her sister on a bus. She suddenly remembers she left her phone at a bus stop, gets off the bus and disappears. Julie is distraught. Three months later she gets a call on her sisters phone by a man who says he wants to return her phone. Against the advice of her lover, she meets him in the woods. He offers her a deal, show me your breasts and I'll give you the phone. She refuses then relents getting the phone. He then offers more information and the sexual demands increase. Desperate Julie complies.

There are so many holes in the plot that its a distraction. Also who is the film made for? Is it a guilty please for men to see Julie making more and more serious sexual choices? Is it supposed to be a female empowerment movie? I suppose it is if you believe "I Spit on Your Grave" is one as well.

Mia Maria Hauge Wadsworth gives a very brave performance in what has to be a passion project for her and the film-makers. She is list as make-up and additional crew as well as having the lead role which requires so much of her. This is supposed to be the first in a series of Charming Men films. The title is misleading as there is only one man in this film and he is far from charming.

Could have been so much more

[canuck-23634 · 4/10 · 6 August 2022]

The concept and set up were good, but the movie just didnt deliver. I think its primarily because the main character was so dumb that you just wanted to yell at her for her constant stupidity. The only male in the movie was clearly a total psycho and the actor is to be commended for finding the fine balance of menace and fragile ego often associated with such individuals. While he was not likeable you could at least admire his manipulation of the lead actress, whose character was so blah that it was impossible to care about her well being at his hands.

Not particularly violent, but the occasional flash of labia, boobs and penis, as well as two lesbian scenes that included finger banging (off screen), definitely mean this is not for kids.

I dont regret watching it, but do regret the missed opportunity as it could have been a really good scary movie.