EVIL aka ONDSKAN

Year: 2003
USA: Magnolia Pictures
UK: Metrodome Distribution
Cast: Andreas Wilson, Henrik Lundstrom, Gustaf Skarsgård, Linda Zilliacus, Jesper Salen, Filip Berg, Johan Rabaeus, Marie Richardson, Magnus Roosmann, Ulf Friberg, Lennart Hjulström, Mats Bergman, Kjell Bergqvist, Björn Granath, Fredrik af Trampe, Richard Danielsson, Martin Svane, Rustan Blomqvist, Peter Eggers, Per Westergren, Henrik Linnros, Theodor Hoffsten, Sannamari Patjas
Director: Mikael Hafstrom
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish (English subtitles)
UK: 113 mins
UK Certificate: 15 contains strong violence and one use of very strong language
USA Release Date: 10 March 2006 (Limited Release - New York and Los Angeles)
UK Release Date: 24 June 2005

US Distributor

Synopsis

Stockholm, the 1950s.

After one brawl too many, Erik is expelled from his local school. To protect him from his violent stepfather's reaction Erik's mother arranges for him to spend a year at Stjärnsberg Boarding School - the only school willing to accept him. This is Erik's last chance to graduate to Upper School.

Arriving at Stjärnsberg is like stepping into another world. The school is steeped in tradition - particularly the tradition of "fraternal upbringing" which leaves discipline in the hands of the students. A school council made up of senior pupils makes the rules. Their word is law - there is no appeal and the punishments are harsh and humiliating.

Erik's roommate and only friend, Pierre, advises him to follow the rules and, above all, not to draw attention to himself. But Erik refuses to submit to the arbitrary bullying by the senior boys. Knowing that if he gives way to his feelings and hits back he will be expelled, Erik begins a campaign of civil disobedience.