Review of Elina: As If I Wasn't There

Tiny Swedish gem. In the 50es, in the desolate Norrbotten, Finnish-speaking kids are enrolled in the strict Swedish education system as personified by Bibi Andersson's extremely uptight Ms. Holm. Imagine Shirley MacLaine in her most uncompromising appirition – and then some. Bibi is marvellous as the given villain here, but on the other hand the part does not give her much else to work with than parading a never-yielding stone face. Nevertheless, to this viewer, this film adds miles to her reputation in terms of versatility. A life and death power struggle soon materialises between Holm and desperately cute pupil Elina, a true wolf in sheeps clothing if ever you saw one. The story is paper-thin but razor sharp and grossly engaging. ***SPOILER*** The standoff culminates in that familiar scene from Dead Poets' Society where all the kids unite in rebellion, only in this movie it actually serves a purpose. My regrets only go to the fact that secondary story lines were not explored, as a possible romance was only vaguely indicated, leaving the movie with a quite narrow outlook. You will never see this one at Blockbuster, but if you do, grab it.