An elite trio of expert hunters venture into the woods to track and capture an especially rare and dangerous prey for the Christmas season. Said prey turns out to be a feral and savage species of portly old guy human beings who after they are caught are cleaned up and put through a brutal training process in order to be turned into Santa Clauses who are then shipped all over the world. Director/co-writer Jalmari Helander deftly crafts a wonderfully wicked black comedy pip that milks an extremely sick, yet fresh and original premise for maximum queasy belly laughs (the sight of a wild naked old man running through the chilly forest with darts sticking out of his body is both funny and disturbing at the same time). Tommi Korpela, Jorma Tommila, and Tazu Ovaska are completely convincing as the three ace hunters. Otso Tarkela is likewise believable as their crazed prey. Jean Noel Mustonen's sharp cinematography offers a wealth of striking images (the shots of the lush wilderness are particularly breathtaking). Kudos are also in order for the marvelously melodic and majestic music. Best of all, Jonathan Hutching's deep and commanding gravelly voiced narration rates as the yummy cherry on an already deliciously dark and demented cake. A terrifically twisted treat.
Review of Rare Exports Inc.
Rare Exports Inc.
(2003)
A brilliantly sick and surprising black comedy short gem
8 April 2010
Warning: Spoilers