Psy nie noszą spodni

When you say S&M in film, more than one of us (unfortunately) thinks of the "shades trilogy", which is not exactly an example of quality filmmaking, so you are glad that there are thematically close films from the other end of the quality spectrum. Dogs Don't Wear Pants is a very raw romance that isn't afraid to show a lot of things on screen, while maintaining a certain level of tastefulness and not trying to be overtly shocking or outrageous. We follow the story of two lonely people who, despite their somewhat harsher specific needs, are portrayed in such a human and understanding way that you just have to root for them. The two lead actors played their roles in a supremely convincing manner, and I was also impressed by the minor role of Ester Geislerová. I welcomed the fact that besides the raw romance and a few scenes that were uncomfortable for the audience (the initiated will know what I am talking about), there was also room for a few purposefully humorous scenes. Last but not least, I must praise the unmistakable musical score, which perfectly underlined the atmosphere of the film. (02.03.2020)

Finland throws a dark film about S&M games and it's a decent psychological oddity. The protagonist starts visiting the local dominatrix, who plays various sex games with him, and chills alternate with laughter. It's a very unusual premise that takes us into the dark recesses of fetishism and it's worth seeing not only for the premise, but also for two scenes that will make you uncomfortable. Tearing fingernails and teeth is probably the most difficult thing to endure of all, and here it is portrayed in its most authentic form. Fans of the North, beware. Story****, Action>No, Humor***, Violence***, Entertainment****, Music****, Visual****, Atmosphere****, Suspense**. 7.5/10. (02.04.2020)

For some, romance means Casablanca or Pretty Woman, and for others it’s this. A seemingly incompatible couple that bonded through S&M. It is interpreted openly, without reserve, but decently, civilly, with both seriousness and humour, and most importantly, it is believable, with a viable psychological background. This is almost unheard of in this rare kind of film. The director did not wish to make a controversial movie about S&M, but rather a humorous human drama about two outsiders coming together in an environment that is unknown or incomprehensible to most viewers. [Cannes] (24.05.2019)

A slightly different kind of romance, which the fans of Fifty Shades of Grey probably wouldn't like that much. I did enjoy watching the gradual destruction of the life of a renowned cardiac surgeon. Pekka Strang was a great choice for this role, and I was also pleased with Krista Kosonen cast in the role of Mona. The combination of the words ‘romantic' and 'comedy’ usually fills me with apprehension, but it was misplaced here. I could enjoy the story, as well as think about its deeper message. There was a lot of food for thought cunningly hidden for the viewer to discover. Had it been a book and not a film, I would have said it was necessary to read between the lines. (18.05.2020)

Any film that, despite a relatively explicit brutality, manages to not be primarily vulgar has a place in my heart. From the title, I was expecting a lighter perverted nonsense, but, believe it or not, this is a pretty serious film. You will laugh, yes, but then, when you’ve realise how fucked up the characters are, you’ll also get the chills. There hasn’t been another film in this year’s festival where I rooted less for the heroes. Which is actually interesting, given how screwed they are. The Finns aren’t afraid of that. Good for them. #KVIFF2019 (02.07.2019)