Search - Let the Right One In [Blu-ray] on Blu-ray

Josh L. from KNOXVILLE, TN
Reviewed on 8/13/2009...

Here is a film that is so good, so superbly executed, that even its few, mostly inconsequential flaws can be immediately forgiven. It’s a film to fall in love with, even if you hate vampire movies. That’s just it, though; this isn’t really a vampire movie. Vampirism is merely the setup, the uncanny excuse for a brilliant examination of desolation and identity.

Tomas Alfredson’s film has a subtle architecture, a wicked sense of humor and an emotional resonance that immediately recalls the poetic lens of Bergman. John Ajvide Lindqvist’s script (based on his novel) portrays the vampire in a deadly serious manner—as deadly serious as Murnau portrayed Stoker’s original vampire tale. And this earnest approach enlivens a story that is, again, less about the romanticized mythology of blood suckers and more about the relationship of two desperately lonely kids: Oskar, a bullied and withdrawn boy who longs for power over his own life, and Eli, a 12-year-old (”more or less”) vampire isolated by the curse’s insatiable nature.

Let the Right One In is a powerful film, and I don’t say that lightly. Its ethical and emotional ruminations are exciting and disquieting; both Oskar and Eli are capable of dark acts, but neither is evil. Their quandary is that of their own survival, and everything that implies. We can’t choose who saves us from our loneliness, nor can we expect to be saved. But when one comes along who not only sees your scars but also understands them, all we can choose is whether to invite them in.

Note: The US DVD and Blu-ray have simplified subtitles. You can order a correct Blu-ray version from Amazon.co.uk. It's a region-free disc.

1 of 1 member(s) found this review helpful.

Wait before you purchase

A. Barney | 03/25/2009

(1 out of 5 stars)

"Do not buy this movie yet. Magnolia butchered the subtitles and will be releasing a version with the theatrical subtitles in the near future. Magnolia will not replace this disc with the fixed one, so hold off on your purchase. You will know the correct version when you see "subtitles: English (theatrical release)" in the specs on the back."

BUYER BEWARE!!!!!!!!!

R.A. Cervantes | San Diego | 03/24/2009

(1 out of 5 stars)

"THE DVD SUBTITLES ARE POORLY, POORLY TRANSLATED AND RUIN THE MOVIE!!!!
Magnolia/MAGNET refused to pay for the original translations and hired there own in order to cut costs. I encourage you to write Magnolia/MAGNET and demand a re-issue with the correct subtitles, and a refund for your defective DVDs and Blu-rays"

Magpictures: LET THE WRONG ONE IN

Fridge Magnet | San Jose, CA | 03/25/2009

(1 out of 5 stars)

"I too bought this film from amazon and wish that Magnolia had disclosed a change in the subtitles from original release of the film. This change completely worsens a great foreign film.

Buyers beware of this problem with the release. Hopefully we can expect Magnolia to own up to their decision and replace what i consider defective copies.

MY thoughts echo another commenter:

Unbelievable. Just read the comment saying that they WILL REISSUE the disc but that they WILL NOT HAVE AN EXCHANGE PROGRAM for those who purchased their DEFECTIVE PRODUCT. So let me get this straight; those of us who love this film, preordered it, then pointed out their mistake, thereby saving others from a mutilated film end up being PUNISHED because of it? Magnolia, you're a real class act."