Review of King of Devil's Island (2010) by Jesse O — 07 Jun 2012

Excellent film about an event, that before this movie, I had no idea had even happened. In the Bastoy Boys' home Wikipedia entry there isn't even anything regarding the uprising and what caused it, but it was known that the facility handed out severe punishment.

And what information I've found in other places doesn't add much, just says that there was a revolt that took place in 1915. So it's definitely hard to gander whether the events this movie portrayed are based in fact, which I really doubt, or if they just crafted a story using this revolt as its basis.

Regardless, it's a completely fascinating film, one that definitely holds your attention throughout, with very little moments of filler. In fact I'd go as far as to say that everything in the movie serves a purpose in the grand scheme of things and that's most definitely good.

Especially lately as I've seen a lot of movies that could've trimmed some fat here and there. It's got a good, solid story. Great performances, Stellan Skarsgard is excellent as always. And the leads, as in the "good" guys, are likable and you want to see them do something about all the bullshit, however fucked up they were or not, that they had to go through.

Another thing, while the movie definitely has a grim look and feel, it's all beautifully shot. Don't know how much of it is fact and how much of it is fiction, but it's still a great movie and it's on netflix instant streaming, so get watching!