Cast
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Onni Tommila
as Pietari
Jorma Tommila
as Rauno
Tommi Korpela
as Aimo
Rauno Juvonen
as Piiparinen
Per Christian Ellefsen
as Riley
Ilmari Järvenpää
as Juuso
Peeter Jakobi
as Pietari's Elf
Jonathan Hutchings
as Greene
Risto Salmi
as Sheriff
Jens Sivertsen
as Main Elf
Sigmund Bøe
as Main Elf
Olav Pedersen
as Main Elf
Nils M. Iselvmo
as Main Elf
Steinar Skogstad
as Elf
Nils Nymo
as Elf
Crew
Director
- Jalmari Helander
Writer
- Jalmari Helander
Producer
- Agnès B.
- François-Xavier Frantz
- Petri Jokiranta
- Knut Skoglund
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Fantasy/Horror film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Jalmari Helander brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2010, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale took approximately 4 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 83 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 143 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 12 months to complete.
- The screenplay went through 5 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 7 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 2010, when this film is released:
- Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
- Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Mars Attacks!, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Groundhog Day and Miracle on 34th Street explore similar territory, Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: December 3, 2010
- Runtime: 1h 23m
Where to Watch
