Colonia

I am very fascinated about religious cults. I would never join one myself, because i know there are many dangerous people out there, who control people in these cults. I actually encountered one religious cult, on the west coast of Sweden. This was in the early 90´s, but i remember 2 very strange sisters, who was a member of this church. They were not allowed to be around ordinary people, they could not go out for a dinner,  or even have a coffee at a café. Sounds like paradise right ? In my view, if you are going to lead a church, you have to do it for a good reason. It should not include sexual favors, force members to pay for personal items, or use them in any way. 

I usually try and read facts, about what different cult religions stand for. I am not a very religious person myself, unless it is about Dolph Lundgren of course. Because as you all know by now, Dolph is the way to heaven. Now, to understand why people join cult churches, you have to understand what makes them drawn into these congregations. Some are them are looking for a way out of addictions, some have mental problems, or some have simply a fascination for something different, outside society. Ordinary churches i have no problem with, because people who have faith should do whatever they feel like doing. But if you have a church to control people, and use them for your own needs, it is not about faith. When you use people for your own advantage, and make up rules, you should not be allowed to be a leader. People who are looking for faith need a comfort zone, where they can feel safe, without being used. I think we all heard about some crazy sect peoples, especially in America. If you want to see a good film, based on a religious sect, i recommend the film Holy Ghost People. This is the best film that director Mitchell Altieri have directed so far, and have a very interesting premise. Perhaps some of you have seen the really good film The Sacrament also, by director Ti West. The film reminds us of the Jonestown Massacre, back in the 70´s, but it have a very powerful message. Also a film you should see. There are more examples of films, based on religious cults, or have cult influences. One of the most horrific events i have ever heard about, is the Jonestown Massacre, back in the 70´s, when pastor Jim Jones killed over 900 people, forcing them to drink poison. I was not born at this time, but i have read about the story, and seen the fantastic documentary film Jonestown: The Life And Death Of Peoples Temple. This is actually one of my personal favourite documentary films, and i have seen it many times. Jim Jones is just an example of how easy one man can get people to do anything he wants them to do. Another cult leader, who was revealed to the world, is the man called Paul Schäfer. I have not read much about this events in Chile, but i understand that he did some really disturbing things towards his members, especially around kids. Colonia is a film, based on what happened inside this cult compound. Since i am fascinated to learn more about cult leaders, and what makes them do what they do, i had to see Colonia. Is this a very emotional film, considering the subject, or is this a film that does not manage to take on this historical tragedy ?

The year is 1973. Lena ( Emma Watson ) and her boyfriend Daniel ( Daniel Bruhl ) are both activists, joining a protest against General Augusto Pinochet ( Marcelo Vilaro ) in Chile. It all ends when Daniel is abducted by Pinochet´s secret police DINA. Lena tries to locate where Daniel have been taken. She finds out information about sealed-off organization called " Colonia Dignidad ". Daniel is supposed to be taken here, so Lena decides to join this religious organization. The leader of this organization is Paul Schäfer ( Mikael Nyqvist ), a man who control every single member with his mind. He have a plan for Lena, and he wans to make sure that she follow his rules. While Lena is trying to adjust her new life inside this organization, she finally get to see what really is going on behind closed doors. Paul Schäfer is not the man he claims to be, and the further she finds the truth, the more disturbing the whole picture becomes.

Colonia is said to be based on true events, that took place in Chile, a colony run by Paul Schäfer. The swedish actor Michael Nyqvist plays Paul Schäfer in this film, and if you ask me, i think he is the biggest reason why you should see Colonia. He manage to capture the feeling of a disturbed cult leader, who brainwash people to do what he feels, not what anyone else feels. To see actor Emma Watson ( mostly known for all the Harry Potter films ), do a character, completely different from her earlier work, is a good sign. And she does pretty good, considering she have a hard time finding a film that fits her perfect. Director Florian Gallenberger have managed to make a film, based on true events, that affects you. Just knowing that this cult leader Paul Schäfer sexually abused children, and forced his followers to do some horrible acts towards members, shows you how cruel this world can be. I would probably say that The Sacrament is a more emotional film, but Colonia does have enough to say to make you affected. The niht scenes where the men gather, to abuse women, is one of those scenes where you feel sick, knowing that this actually happened many times. The cult feeling is shown here in different details, and the clothes is one of the most typical sign of a cult curch. Women are only allowed to wear certain matching outfits, or they are not allowed to be in the company of God. One of the scenes i can´t forget, is when Paul Shäfer, stands infront of almost naked young children, and let them sing. Knowing that he molested children, you really want to break his neck, if you had the chance. Overall, Colonia manage to give you a look into what happened in Chile, and how this cult congregation functioned. There are a few scenes where i would have wanted a more raw tone, when you feel that perhaps you don´t get to see what really happened. Maybe director Florian Gallenberger did not want to dig too deep into this historical tragedy, there might be family members who would be offended. I still feel that this is an important film, so you understand how easy it is for someone to control people. I wonder why swedish cinemas did not show this film, considering Michael Nyqvist does such a great performance. You can see it on dvd now anyway, so i suggest that you do. The atmosphere and the summon of all these lost souls, gathered to listen to a pedophile, is horrific. I really hope that people will learn to stay away from abusive church leaders, my best advice is to belive in Dolph Lundgren instead. It is more safe, more rational, and you also feel better in your heart. Run down to your local dvd store and rent Colonia.

Rating: DDD