Review of Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale (2010) by Jarkko K — 13 Dec 2010

Following an incoherent start, emotionally strong two thirds make Rare Exports shine. Jalmari Helander's first full-length feature film reintroduces Santa Claus as the traditional punisher of naughty children and an occasional adult. The film is an extrapolation from two short films from a few years ago.

Rare Exports is something of a dark comedy thriller and very much a seasonal film at that. The Christmas Spirit lies heavily over the wacky story. The film looks unpolished but not outright experimental. It's an interesting start for hopefully more genre evading pieces from Helander. Though, I'm also looking forward to seeing more emphasis on the traditional filmcraft venues, e.g. acting.