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Schoolmaster Games (The)

Country: Sweden, Language: Swedish, 82 mins

Original Title

Magisterlekarna
  • Director: Ylva Forner
  • Writer: Kristofer Folkhammar, Ylva Forner
  • Producer: Ludvig Andersson, Sofia Ferguson, Alexander Rönnberg

CGiii Comment

Imagine...a gay boys-only school with gay male-only teachers and [only] a whiff of morality! Sounds like Heaven...or, as in this case, absolute Hell!

As they say, exclusion comes at a price...and, you pay dearly to be in the company of these affected youths. Every gay stereotype is in attendance, amplified to such a degree that heterosexuality seems like a welcoming haven for a much-needed respite. There is a limit to as how much bitchiness can be consumed and crammed into 82 minutes.

As for being erotic...this is more Hight School Musical with atrocious wrestling and a kinky teacher...who sexually abuses his students without comeuppance. One of the many problems that this film is riddled with.

There were some interesting themes that could have been developed...for one, the ostracised within this niche minority...yes, dear hearts, gay boys can be bigoted bullies too!

Since the film does not dare leave the school, there is no comparison made with the outside world...this is indeed a venomous bubble that - obviously - has to burst.

This is Ylva Forner's debut feature...perhaps she should have chosen a different book to adapt...something she might be more familiar with!

Sadly, the overall effect is - hopefully - unintentionally homophobic. Because...this make-believe world of young screaming queens and abusive, ass-slapping teachers is exactly how homophobes picture a gay community to be...that's more than just being unpleasant. That's homophobic.


Trailer...

The Schoolmaster Games / Magisterlekarna- TRAILER from Christian Arnold on Vimeo.

The(ir) Blurb...

Based on the popular novel by Kristofer Folkhammar, this sensual and visual melodrama takes place at the all male St Sebastian Academy, where homosexuality is the norm at a place that pulsates with eroticism and power games. In a stilized filmic universe inspired by high school flicks and 90s boybands, the search for who will be allowed to lead the yearly procession leads up to dramatic events. A daring, disturbing and unique debut feature film from Ylva Forner.

Cast & Characters

Johan Ehn (as Magistern)
Christian Arnold (as Charles)
Johan Charles (as Paul)
Simon Kling (as Tim)
Nino Forss (as Noak)
Joel Valois (as Fred)
Jani Blom (as Frank)
Arvin Kananian (as Nicholas)
Viktor Flarkell (as Stocken)
Oliver Andersson (as Joey)
Erik Dahlin (as Lärare)
Andreas Gauffin (as Lärare)
Cameron Krogh Stone (as Mr. Fox / Student)
Jonas C Wahlström (as Richard)