King of Devil’s Island
Kongen av Bastøy
The boys sent to Bastøy, a reform institute on an island in the Oslo fjord, are between 11 and 18. Some are criminals, some only poor and rejected. The institute tries to force them into line with grim discipline and sadistic punishments. The aim is to teach them to be well-adjusted citizens who know their place: at the bottom of the social ladder.
When Erling (17) arrives, he immediately makes an impression with his obstinate attitude. The other kids soon regard him as their leader. He gets under the skin of the director (Stellan Skarsgård). Erling’s only aim is to escape, but circumstances transform him into the leader of a violent rebellion.
The fourth feature by Marius Holst is set in 1915 and is based on true events. With beautiful camerawork in tints of blue, grey and brown, and an impressive cast of young actors, King of Devil’s Island tells a composed, timeless story of courage and strength.
Film details
- Countries of production
- France, Norway, Poland
- Year
- 2010
- Festival edition
- IFFR 2011
- Length
- 112'
- Medium/Format
- 35mm
