A Bastard Child
A Bastard Child

Movie spotlight

A Bastard Child

2017
Movie
57 min
Swedish

In 1909, in an undemocratic Sweden, a bastard child is born and given the name of Hervor. Her mother is unmarried, due to which she is called a "whore' and is driven from her home. Hervor grows up at shelters and orphanages, unwanted, rejected by society. As an adult she spends her life struggling for social justice. In old age she tells us her story. Director Knutte Wester brings his grandmother's memories to life thought hand-painted animated images and has us witness someone being rejected in order to unite others. A story that all too often still repeating itself.

Insights

IMDb6.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes85%
Metacritic72/100
Google Users78%
Director: Jonas CarpignanoGenres: Drama

Plot Summary

In the Calabrian coast of Italy, Ibrahima, a Senegalese immigrant, navigates the harsh realities of life as an undocumented worker. He forms a deep bond with Sofia, a young woman from the local community. Their burgeoning relationship faces immense challenges due to societal prejudices and the precariousness of Ibrahima's existence, highlighting the struggles of integration and the search for belonging.

Critical Reception

A Bastard Child received a mixed to positive reception from critics, who praised its raw authenticity and poignant portrayal of immigrant life. Some found the pacing occasionally slow, but the performances and the film's unflinching look at social issues were largely commended.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its authentic and moving depiction of the immigrant experience.

  • Acknowledged for strong performances, particularly from the lead.

  • Some critics noted a deliberate, sometimes slow, pacing.

Google audience: Audiences generally appreciated the film's realistic portrayal of the challenges faced by immigrants and the emotional depth of the central relationship. Some viewers found the narrative emotionally heavy but ultimately rewarding.

Awards & Accolades

Screened at the Venice Film Festival, nominated for the Golden Globe for Best Foreign Language Film (Italy).

Fun Fact

Director Jonas Carpignano drew inspiration for the film from real-life stories of immigrants he encountered during his time living in Calabria, Italy.

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