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FALKENBERG FAREWELL
**** out of ***** Reviewed by Mike Cavanaugh Screening in the 2007 New Zealand International Film Festival
Back to KP's Film Fest Coverage  Genres
Drama
2006
Directed by
Jasper Ganslandt
Written by
Jasper Ganslandt
Fredrik Wenzel
Cast
Jesper Ganslandt - Jesper
David Jonnson - David
Jörgen Svensson - Jörgen
Holger Eriksson - Holger
John Eriksson - John There is something all too real about Falkenberg Farewell. It might have something to do with the fact this haunting yet endearing little Swedish film takes its inspiration from real life. And by no means is this a suggestion that the film is based on a true story. Rather, it’s made by a group of friends to reflect on the small town of Falkenberg and life in the final days of one summer. Falkenberg is presented as a memory, and we are introduced to Jesper (Jesper Ganslandt), David  (David Jonnson), Jörgen (Jörgen Svensson) and brothers John and Holger (John and Holger Eriksson). We are treated to old home movie clips and photos that emphasise the friendship we see on screen, reinforcing the intimate feel to "Falkenberg Farewell". These are all childhood friends playing themselves, reliving their past, and possibly exorcising demons. After watching Falkenberg Farewell a little research shed light on the fact that director and co-writer Jesper Ganslandt has never studied film, and this explains how he managed to create an unusual feel of something so richly organic. This is his story. The shaky digital camera and natural shots lends itself to the familiar interactions between friends. This is a living breathing film that is both captivating and haunting. Had Ganslandt produced anything other than what we have here, the intimacy would be lost. It is this intimacy that drives Falkenberg Farewell. This is simply the story of friends growing up, and possibly apart; and while the late turn of events is of no real surprise, its effect is not lost and is no less powerful. This is after all, a story about growth, about small towns, and consequently the futility some face. There’s not much else to say about an otherwise excellent film. It may not have the  shock-horror thought provoking moments beyond what we are presented with initially; Falkenberg Farewell is quite simply an intimate personal story that is driven by who we see on screen. This could be you and me, or any group of friends, and so it haunts me after the credits roll. This film will screen in Wellington at The Paramount on July 30 at 6:30pm and at The Penthouse on July 31 at 8:45pm.
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