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The Film List Project #22: Let the Right One In

I'm still trying to figure out what I just watched.

Well, I know what I just watched: the 2008 Swedish horror/thriller/drama/romance (if you're into twisted romance) film Let the Right One In.

I spent the first 30 minutes of this movie asking why. Why does an adult man follow a little girl around (besides the obvious)? Why is "piggy" this little boy's nickname? Why is this girl wearing white, especially since she's a vampire (more on that later)? Why does this kid not have a tissue in his jacket pocket? The list of "whys" goes on and on, but I'm worried that going on might spoil something for you.

Yes, this is a vampire movie. No, this is not Twilight. It's so the opposite of Twilight.

Here's why I liked this movie: even thought it's about a vampire, it's really not about a vampire. Stay with me. This movie about vampires is more about human nature, love and curiosity than anything else. More importantly, it's about what goes on when nobody is paying attention. I'm not saying your next door neighbor is a vampire, but it might benefit you she/he goes out during the day.

This movie is also the most effective anti-bullying ad I've ever seen. Oskar, the main character, is a victim of some insanely cruel kids. He's isolated and alone, but he's also a sneaky, curious kid with a knife under his bed. His loneliness leads him to befriend Eli, the creepy girl on the jungle gym who immediately tells him they can't be friends.

Eli may be creepy, but she can solve a Rubik's Cube, so Oskar listens to her when she tells him to fight back when his bullies come at him. Oskar's idea of fighting back and Eli's idea of fighting back are two very different things, but either way, don't be a bully. Seriously. Whether your victim is an Oskar or an Eli, no good things are going to come from your actions. Also, it's just an awful thing to do.

Even though I'm very afraid of the characters in this movie, I'd still recommend it. It's entertaining, intriguing, and frightening. And I'm not just saying that because I'm afraid that the vampires will come after me.

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