Before the Storm (2000)

In spite of a strange beginning with some hints and clues to what you're about to see, Före Stormen goes way beyond what you may even dare to think. This film is one of those gems from Sweden and Norway: A co- production that merges the views from a Danish-made Iranian filmmaker, and a very accomplished Swedish writer.

If you read the plot of this film, you will be very disappointed if you have the opportunity to actually watch it. It is, in my opinion, one of those scripts that could be a legend. Even when the subject matter of the film seems to be one we've seen many times, the pacing and the adding of extremely crafty and creative elements, make it a piece on its own, weaving a brilliant tragedy that could easily belong to any theatre in the world.

Visually, it's very straight-forward: No magic, no effects, no special polishing on anything. Perhaps it is this rawness and frankness of its photography and direction what makes Före Stormen even more appealing.

Be warned: it breaks many molds and goes to some of the darkest pits human hearts sometimes reach. Most disturbing is that this darkness resides in very young hearts.

Someone pointed out before me that this is a film that will make you cry even when you think about it... and that's true.