Full Description
Based on an autobiographical novel by inventor Roland Schutt, THE SLINGSHOT recalls his acidic adventures as a boy in 1920s Stockholm. Full of burlesque comedy, brooding atmosphere and optimism, the film follows the struggles of Roland and his family. Roland's father (Stellan Skarsgard) is a devoted socialist with a bad leg and no desire to do real work. Mother (Basia Frydman), a Russian-Jewish refugee, runs a tobacco shop where she illegally sells condoms, which were outlawed in Sweden at the time. Brother Bertil is a budding young pugilist who practices on Roland's nose. Meanwhile, misfit Roland, suffers from prejudice at school and from his pals, but has a sarcastic attitude that keeps him going even when things look bleak. He is also an enterprising young man, making slingshots from steel and condoms that he peddles to neighborhood boys, eventually managing to take revenge on his sadistic teacher and principal.