A group of young offenders are sent to the island of Bastoy in Norway to reform and become honourable, humble and useful Christian boys. However, this 'rehabilitation' center soon becomes more of a concentration camp for the boys as they are abused, brainwashed, underfed and authorities neglect to provide them with warm clothes for the icy winter. The arrival of rumored murderer Erling and Ivar sees the disruption of order on the island and a rebellion ensues.
This Norwegian thriller is based on a shocking true story of events that occurred in 1915 when 29 inmates ran amok after an incident regarding sexual abuse forcing the Norwegian Armed Forces and police officers to be employed to put an end to the riot - the instigators of the uprising were led away in handcuffs. It is a story saturated with defiance, revolt, cruelty and violence but it is also a highly important story of hope, friendship, team work and above all courage.
Directed by the extraordinarily talented Marius Holst, 'King of Devil's Island' has won Best Film at the Norwegian International Film Festival in 2011 and actor Trond Nilsson won Best Supporting Actor. It also won Best Feature Film at Lubeck Nordic Film Days in the same year.
Directed by: Marius Holst
Starring: Stellan Skarsgard