[Review] Roukli film (2015)

Prepare yourself for the briefness of the review of this film. Not only this movie puzzles me, it also shows me what experimental cinema is capable of. But there are some great moment and some not so rave-able cuts, in my opinion. Honestly, this is one of the toughest review I have to write. 

Roukli working poster (Pic Cred: efis.ee)

Not only I am clueless about Estonian culture, I am also unaware of any of the country folklore. In my eyes, this film is extremely experimental that a lot of those who lack background in arts (like myself) was mostly confused most of the film. 

Vid Cred: Kino Sõprus YouTube

I could not pin point the head or tail of this film, nor could I say what the story is about. Yet what marvels me is that how with exceptional direction, script is just a make up that makes the acting prettier than it already was. From what I get through the post screening discussion, this film is largely improvised under strict direction. 

From the risky filmography to the very very unusual style of story telling, from the brilliant soundtrack accompanying the scarceness of dialogue to the magic of lifting, this film would be perfect if I knew about the lore behind the inspiration of the film.

Endless knot (Pic Cred: Wikipedia)

A few points that I would like to highlight in the film that caught my attention early on was the symbol of ‘Endless Knot’ serves the audience as the opening scene that leads to an argument between a couple about a girl that was staying in their house. Then the transition slowly reveal that the setting was not set in the current world nor was it in a post apocalyptic world, instead it is set entirely in an in-between world that could just be our near future. 

The idea of using old lore and marrying them with religion and politics seems a little impossible in my mind, but somehow the writer and the director (especially the director) pulled it off amazingly. Another praise is to the lighting director where he mostly uses contrasting light between the mood set and the mood set for the actors. Not only it helps visually, but it also gives the audience a deeper idea into what a twisted mind (in a good way) the director has. 

Though mostly the general direction and message that this film wanted to convey was confusing, but the actors was amazing in improvising a whole lot of the film. The script was scarce and much of the film was in low and no lights. Though hints of message might be there through the weird placement of props and appearance of animals from cute little bird to slimy snakes, but I completely missed it. Completely clueless at the end of the film. 

In lieu of my love for stage improvisation, this film is very unique in its own way. I would rate this film an astonishing nine out of ten (9/10) stars despite the very confusing theme and message. Might I say this, it is extremely rare for me to be speechless about a film, much less about anything experimental, but this film is an exception and despite of its short comings, it made up in the brilliantness of the artistic, lighting and the director himself. 

I would highly recommend this film to my fellow comrades in improvisational theatre and those who loves experimental arts. Those who appreciate good music and those who lacks confidence in themselves, because in the end, this film is an example of what brilliant art could be born from a very indecisive mind. Indecisive indeed but brilliant.