I Am Dina

Released in '02 `I Am Dina' is a beautifully filmed Brontesque styled film that is so out of the norm it appears to have created a genre unique unto itself. The constant juxtaposition of the idyllic rural lifestyle of 19th century Northern Norway and the magnificent Norwegian vistas worthy of a National Geographic travelogue are indeed a striking contrast to the dark, supernaturally tinted, psycho-sexual drama that slowly unfolds before its stunned and unprepared audience. Accompanied by a superbly crafted script and superior performances all-around one is left to wonder why such a film has lanquished in obscurity for the past five years.Maria Bonnevie delivers a haunting and unnerving performance in the role of Dina. Her tormented, otherworldly countenance is both frightening and beautiful and the camera makes good use of her features with continual close-ups of her expressive face. If there were ever a pair of eyes that could gase into a mans soul these are the ones. Other personal favorites in the film are; Soren Saetter-Lassen as Lorch, Mads Mikkelsen as Niels, Christopher Eccleston as Leo and of course the legendary Gerard Depardieu as Jacob.If you're in the mood for something light and romantic watch something else, however if you're looking for something somber and brooding look no further.My Rating: -4 ½ Stars-.

The movie was just "okay", not something I would want to look at again. I felt the characters were lacking in development and perhaps acting ability. I felt sorry for Dina as a child, and almost laughed out loud when she quickly turned into a ragga-muffin. But as Dina grew, the conflict between her and the other characters wasn't adequately developed or deep enough to be believable. I only watched the movie because I usually enjoy period pieces. However I would not recommend this movie unless a person has already seen everything else on Prime.

The first time watching this film I found that I was a little confused and not entirely sure if I liked the movie or not. After watching it a second time i absolutely fell in love with the film and am now reading the book that it was based upon "Dina's Book", which is a wonderful book as well. Wonderful performances from a stellar cast of very talented actors and actresses.

I've never seen a movie or even imagined a story like the tale told in this epic film. It has some dark hints to it, a bit on the scary side but so entertaining. This actress is unbelievably talented in her role and I wish Hans Matheson has a larger part in it.I'm a huge fan of BBC films and the talent in this film is unsurpassed by many movies in America, I have never seen a movie such of this or could even imagine a story like this unfolding. It's so intesting to see history and stories being told in parts of the world we americans never hear much about or think about. A truely unique film for all to see, except young children.

Excellent movie!! Unbelievable acting!! However, I was very dissatisfied in the fact that Amazon only gave me standard definition. What a bummer for such a unbelievable artistic film.

This film will stay with me always.To begin with, if you are concerned that the movie is too dark--the ending is not sad. Nor is the message tragic. Though Dina's life is fraught with dramatic, soul-shaking tragedy, she surpasses this malevolence with astonishing rational courage.If you are hungry for an artistic, thoughtful, courageous film– with the added bonus of a memorably strong female character – I recommend this movie. The plot, cinematography and creativity down to the list of credits at the end are truly rare and breathtaking. The acting too is superb.

I may continue watching, but I've twice watched the first few minutes trying to wrap my head around why the characters didn't act quickly ... I won't spoil it by being detailed, but it just seems ridiculous in film writing when characters are written as weak and not acting/reacting quickly enough to do something. In a way it makes women look bad in this movie, the lack of acting to help someone, pawing at the air while someone suffers ... hmmm, I wonder if the writers and directors ever read these reviews ... some reviews were high in rating so I may go ahead and watch it anyway ...

Powerful story, great cinematography, superb acting, especially Maria Bonnevie and Mads Mikkelsen

Prompt service - no hassles

I saw the trailer on Youtube and it looked quite good so I got it and was to find I was very disappointed. It begins with a young girl named Dina who lets her mother burn to death by hot acid and her father cruelly rejecting her. As she grows up playing the cello and bonding with her music teacher, her bitter father demands her to marry Jacob or lose her music for good. So she argees and has a sort-of happy life marriage until tradgey looms everywhere around her while still haunted by the ghost of her mother. It really doesn't make sense, one minute she puts up a front to show how she cares and the next she becomes mad and insane. She also has qutie a few lovers, her husband, her best friend and a mysterious Russian. Maria Bonnevie is odd and very annoying, saying "I am Dina" way too many times. Gerard Depardieu, Christopher Eccleston and Hans Matheson are fine as the lovers but don't have a chance to shine in this odd movie. Not really recommended if you can't handle the jumping from scene to scene and not making a lot of sense. But if you do, it's a treat.