Directed by
Marius Holst
Made by
Film Movement
Discover the intricate plot of King of Devil's Island (2011). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
At the Bastøy prison island for young offenders, the latest arrival, Erling “C19”, quickly forms a bond with Olav (“C1”) in the face of harsh realities. Under the stern rule of warden Håkon, Erling navigates the brutal winter and the continuous mistreatment from the staff, particularly the despised unit manager Bråthen. During their time in this oppressive environment, Olav witnesses Bråthen’s predatory behavior towards Ivar, a vulnerable and timid boy referred to as “C5,” in the laundry room.
When Olav bravely reports this to the warden, he and Erling find themselves subjected to severe punishment, and C5 is assigned tasks far from Bråthen. The horror escalates, and Ivar, unable to cope with the prospect of facing his tormentor again, tragically takes his own life by drowning in the frigid waters of the beach.
To the boys’ relief, Bråthen is dismissed after this incident, igniting a sense of hope among them. As Olav prepares for parole and a chance at freedom, he unexpectedly crosses paths with Bråthen, who has been temporarily removed from the island. In a surge of anger and desperate protection for their friend, Olav and Erling confront Bråthen, leading to their punishment and placement in freezing solitary confinement. Fortunately, they are rescued by Bjarne, one of the few boys who remains as a caretaker on the island.
Olav’s quest for vengeance against Bråthen sparks a massive uprising among the boys, as they overthrow their captors. The prison is ransacked, and Bråthen is subjected to brutal retaliation, including being hanged in a barn. However, Erling demonstrates compassion by saving Bråthen from the fire that engulfs the barn. In response to the chaos, a navy ship intervenes to quash the rebellion.
Although Olav and Erling manage to flee across the icy fjord towards the mainland, tragedy strikes when Erling falls through the ice near the shore and succumbs to the freezing water. Later, we see an older Olav, now part of a ship’s crew, watching wistfully as they drift past Bastøy island, a haunting reminder of his past.
Track the key events of King of Devil's Island (2011) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Arrival at Bastøy Prison
Erling, also known as 'C19', arrives at the harsh environment of Bastøy prison island, which houses young offenders. He quickly becomes acquainted with Olav, referred to as 'C1', establishing a friendship that will be tested by the oppressive conditions around them.
Harsh Realities of Prison Life
Under the stern authority of warden Håkon, Erling and Olav endure brutal treatment from the prison staff, particularly from the despised unit manager Bråthen. The extreme winter conditions further heighten their daily struggles, making life on the island increasingly challenging.
Bråthen's Predatory Behavior
Olav observes the predatory actions of Bråthen towards Ivar, known as 'C5', while they work in the laundry room. The abuse of vulnerable inmates becomes evident, leading Olav to contemplate a course of action.
Reporting Bråthen
Braving the potential repercussions, Olav reports Bråthen's misconduct to the warden. This act of bravery resulted in both Olav and Erling facing harsh punishment, while C5 is thankfully moved away from Bråthen's reach.
Tragic Outcome
Unable to cope with the harassment and the traumatic environment, Ivar tragically takes his own life by drowning in the icy waters surrounding the prison. This shocking incident profoundly affects the boys, leaving a dark shadow hanging over them.
Bråthen's Dismissal
Following the tragedy of Ivar's death, Bråthen is finally dismissed from his position. This turn of events sparks a renewed sense of hope among the boys, who had been living in fear under his management.
Confrontation with Bråthen
As Olav prepares for parole, he unexpectedly encounters Bråthen, who has been temporarily removed from the island. In a moment of rage and protectiveness for their friend, Olav and Erling confront Bråthen, igniting a violent clash.
Punishment in Solitary Confinement
As a consequence of their confrontation with Bråthen, Olav and Erling are placed in solitary confinement amidst extreme cold. The punishment serves as a stark reminder of the reality of life within the brutal confines of the prison.
A Rescue by Bjarne
Fortunately for Olav and Erling, they are rescued by Bjarne, one of the few boys remaining who acts as a caretaker on the island. His timely intervention provides them with a glimmer of hope amidst the dark reality they face.
Uprising Against Captors
Olav's desire for vengeance against Bråthen sparks a full-scale uprising among the boys. They band together to overthrow their captors, taking control of the island and expressing their long-held frustrations.
Brutal Retaliation
In the chaos of the rebellion, Bråthen faces a horrifying fate as he is subjected to violent retaliation by the boys. He is hanged in the barn, highlighting the deep-seated anger and desperation felt by the inmates.
Acts of Compassion
Despite the fury surrounding Bråthen's punishment, Erling chooses an unexpected path by saving him from a fire that ensues in the barn. This act of compassion reveals the complex moral choices that arise even in dire situations.
Navy Ship Intervention
In response to the uprising, a navy ship arrives to quell the rebellion's chaos. The intervention serves as a reminder of the overarching power and control exerted over the boys, despite their momentary rebellion.
Escape Across the Icy Fjord
Amidst the turmoil and confusion, Olav and Erling manage to flee from the clutches of the prison across the icy fjord toward the mainland. Their desperate escape signifies a small victory in their quest for freedom.
Tragic Loss
As they near shore, tragedy strikes when Erling falls through the fragile ice and succumbs to the freezing waters. This heartbreaking moment marks a devastating end to their friendship and journey, leaving Olav to cope with profound loss.
Reflecting on the Past
Years later, we find an older Olav as part of a ship's crew, gazing wistfully at the distant Bastøy island. The haunting memories of his youth and the trials he faced there linger in his mind, serving as a permanent reminder of his past experiences.
Meet the characters that bring King of Devil's Island (2011) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Erling "C19"
Erling is a strong-willed and resilient young offender who quickly becomes a leader among the boys. He forms a close bond with Olav, showing compassion even in the direst circumstances. His journey embodies the struggle against oppression and ultimately leads to both bravery and sacrifice.
Olav "C1"
Olav is depicted as courageous yet deeply affected by the trauma around him. His loyalty to his friends drives him to confront injustice, as seen in his reporting of Bråthen's actions. His quest for vengeance and eventual escape highlight his determination for both justice and freedom.
Bråthen
Bråthen is portrayed as a predatory and cruel unit manager with a sadistic streak. His abuse of power creates an atmosphere of fear and despair among the boys. His eventual confrontation with Erling and Olav triggers a violent uprising, showcasing the consequences of unchecked authority.
Ivar "C5"
Ivar represents the vulnerability within the prison system, suffering at the hands of Bråthen and ultimately succumbing to his despair. His tragic story highlights the severe impact of bullying and the dire consequences of emotional neglect among youth.
Bjarne
Bjarne stands out as one of the few boys who remains on the island to help others. His bravery and willingness to act as a caretaker demonstrate the spirit of solidarity among the boys, especially during the rebellion. He plays a crucial role in rescuing Erling and Olav during their toughest moments.
Uncover the settings of King of Devil's Island (2011), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
The movie does not specify a distinct time period but depicts a post-war era characterized by strict punitive measures within juvenile institutions. This time is marked by severe social attitudes towards youth and an unforgiving approach to rehabilitation.
Location
Bastøy prison island
Bastøy prison island is a remote location known for its harsh and oppressive conditions, specifically designed for young offenders. The atmosphere is bleak and cold, especially during the brutal winter months depicted in the film. It serves as a backdrop for the struggles and resilience of the boys imprisoned there.
Explore the core themes of King of Devil's Island (2011). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Freedom & Rebellion
The theme of freedom is central to the narrative, as the boys recognize their mistreatment and unite in a rebellion against their captors. This desire for freedom drives their actions, culminating in an uprising that challenges the oppressive system. The struggle intensifies as they seek to reclaim their dignity and autonomy.
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Isolation & Survival
Isolation is a recurring theme in the film, both physically on the island and emotionally among the boys. The harsh winter environment serves as a metaphor for their struggles for survival amidst neglect and abuse. The extreme isolation forces them to forge deep bonds in their fight against despair.
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Tragedy
The film doesn't shy away from the tragic consequences of the boys’ plight. Ivar's heartbreaking decision to take his own life reflects the extreme emotional toll of their environment. Such tragedies serve as pivotal moments that propel the narrative and deepen the characters' motivations.
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