User Reviews

Patrik 1,5 – CATCH IT (B+) Patrick 1.5 is a Swedish movie about Goran and Sven have been cleared for adoption and they have a possibility to adopt a Swedish orphan, Patrik 1,5. But when Patrik arrives he turns out to be someone else, not the little boy they were expecting. A comma had been misplaced, and in comes a 15-year-old homophobic with a criminal past. Patrik 1.5 is hilarious and movie at the same times. it take cares the sensitive issue with humor and the whole family dimension makes this movie more endearing. Gustaf Skarsgård brother of Alexander Skarsgård & Torkel Petersson as couple are great. But I have to say Tom Ljungman steals the show with witty humor and hidden emotions underneath the callous attitude. I personally enjoyed the movie a lot, so if you're into a family dram with sarcastic humor. This one is for you. Loved it!

.....guy....this Goran....this Gustaf Skarsgard....this standout performer.

Once you've seen this little film, you will realize it is this actor who is the heart and the soul of this story-with-a-twist. Here's a performer whose every thought is readable in his face.....whose every emotion makes its way across to us. And you know what is extra special about this? It's that no one can just "act" these things; these are things you have to "be"....within yourself. In other words, I think the Skarsgard we see on screen is the very same man off screen---and who of us wouldn't want a someone like that?

And if Skarsgard is all of that, then it is Tom Ljungman, as Patrik, who is the zest and the vitality of this movie....the one who makes it all gel. Wherever Sweden was able to come up with such an accomplished SIXTEEN year old is beyond me. The only thing left to say about this young man is, "Gustaf Skarsgard, you'd better watch out; someone is hard on your heels."

Oh, and I don't think any of us would kick a Torkel Petersson (Sven) out of....ahem...., either.

Postscript for The Wonderful Director (Underbar Direktör): Dear Ella Lemhagen....The ONLY thing this most satisfied movie viewer could think of to change in this exceptional film would be the Closing Credits and its "Crosscountry Run." Of course, you know the place I mean (new viewers will have to see it for themselves). A full of Urin + Vinegar Patrik (Age 1.5) would be in the "leading lane".....followed closely by Daddy Goran.....then Papa Sven.....and bringing up the rear, daughter Isabell (who can even keep Patrik on his toes).

****

A Swedish gay couple want to adopt a son. They want a baby who is around 1 year old. Through a misprint in their request (they put 1.5) they get a 15 year old boy. He's been in numerous foster families, has a history of violence and is a vicious homophobe to boot!

You can probably figure out the rest of the story--there are no real surprises here. Still, it was well-acted by all, had an intelligent script and never got too maudlin or syrupy. This movie could have tried to milk the audiences sympathies but it didn't. Everything is done in a matter of fact and low-key way. The only puzzling thing is that we see examples of homophobia that the couple face...and then that's dropped completely. What was the point of showing it then? Still this is a well-done movie showing gay adoption in a positive light. I saw it at the Provincetown Film Festival and the audience loved it! I give it a 7.

In a suburb in Sweden, the gay Dr. Göran (Gustaf Skarsgård) and his "husband", the executive Sven (Torkel Petersson) receive a letter informing that they will finally adopt an orphan – Patrik 1,5. They understand that Patrik is a one and half year-old baby and they prepare a room for the baby. However, there is a typo and Patrick (Tom Ljungman) is actually a fifteen year-old homophobic teenager with criminal record.

The gay couple assumes that there is a mistake, but it is Friday afternoon and they need to wait until Monday to contact the Social Service. Along the weekend, Sven has friction with the adolescent, but Göran befriends Patrik, who is an experienced gardener. Göran and Sven have an argument about Patrik and Sven leaves Göran.

When Göran learns that Patrik has been rejected by families for ten years, he decides to adopt Patrik. But now he is alone and the process of adoption is no longer valid and he needs to prepare a new application.

I am not a fan of films with the theme "gay couple", but Patrik 1.5 is a pleasant surprise. The story is funny, dramatic and romantic and the trio Gustaf Skarsgård, Torkel Petersson and Tom Ljungman is charismatic and shows a great chemistry. The director and writer Ella Lemhagen is very sensitive and never overexploits the gay relationship of Göran and Sven.

The prejudice of the neighbors of Göran and Sven is impressive considering the image of freedom in sex that the Swedish people have in my country. My vote is seven.

Title (Brazil): "Patrik 1.5"

I love the low-key quality of the film and the main character. As another reviewer wrote, the couple and Patrick are faced with numerous homophobic situations. Many aren't addressed simply because that's how life is as a gay man or woman.

Best gay film I've seen in a long while. Very little sex and language but rather, incredibly deep characters and struggles in relationships.

The main character, Goran, is spectacular. He is gentle and sincere while being incredibly strong in protecting his family. Amazing work. His partner, Sven, struggles with settling down, starting a family again (he has a 16 yr old daughter from his previous marriage), and living in a typical suburban neighborhood. The neighborhood dynamic is great. Each neighbor is really big on keeping their white picket fence front yards in amazing shape to outdo their neighbor. However, perfectly pruned front yards doesn't mean the family behind the door is doing as well.

Amazing film.

A country notable for its tolerance of homosexuality, gay adoption has been legal in Sweden since 2002. Compared to the UK, where same-sex adoption was legalised in 2005, and Scotland, where the bill only passed in 2009, a film that explores the issue from a more established perspective deserves attention. Originally a play by Michael Druker, the film received a warm reception at LA's Outfest in 2009. Following the media interest and Channel 4's recent documentary about gay millionaires Barrie and Tony Drewitt-Barlow, who have three children through IVF and surrogacy, this is a timely release. Patrik, Age 1.5 ably confronts the controversial subject of same-sex adoption. The film does not shy away from some of the more unpleasant assumptions held against the gay community, undermines preconceptions and underlines some of society's double standards. This may be a tall order, but Patrik, Age 1.5 succeeds and yet remains a gentle, thoughtful and, at times, provocative comedy. What better way to celebrate the legalisation of same-sex adoption in Argentina? SR

This is one of those rare occurrences when you attend a cinematic experience that takes you through an array of emotions. And if the main couple weren't gay, you'd never know the difference by the heartaches, trials are tribulations they must endure. You are most likely to see this as just another couple struggling to adopt. However, in this case, this couple is launched into a whirlwind of surprises as they happily prepare to receive their newly adopted son. Things don't turn out quite right, and the story takes off from there. I must comment on the craftsmanship of the film because it seems like there was a lot of love and emotion put into it. The actors, the writing, the direction, the look, everything of about this film is so well done that it wallows in a very nostalgic mood where as an audience member you hope matters get resolved to the benefit of the main characters. Enjoy the ride for you will find it quite a delightful experience. Folks from all ages and walks of life can watch, learn and appreciate the beauty and contradicting curve-balls and pitfalls life throws at you. All generations can take something from this film that personally applies to a life experience. An exquisitely beautiful film not to be missed.

The Birdcage (1996), Reinas (2005), The Wedding Banquet (1993), Law of Desire (1987)... many good films have been made about gay people's relationships with each other and their straight friends and families. Ella Lemhagen's 2008 drama-comedy Patrik 1,5 is the first film I have seen from the director but joins the above movies in the category of watchable gay comedies.

The plot goes as follows: Göran and Sven Skoogh (Gustaf Skarsgård and Torkel Petersson) are a happily married gay couple who have recently moved into an idyllic new suburb and are anxious to adopt a baby. However, they find their dream difficult to realize since no foreign country is willing to give a child to a gay couple and suitable Swedish babies are difficult to find. They are overjoyed upon hearing that an orphaned 18-month old baby has become available for adoption but are dismayed when their baby Patrik turns out to be a 15-year old homophobic delinquent (Thomas Ljungman) due to a typographical error in the adoption documents.

With a premise like this, one could expect the story to be a sappy tale of overcoming prejudices which carries a laughably obvious message like "gays are people too" but luckily that is not the whole point of Patrik 1,5. Sure, Sven and Göran do encounter homophobia, ranging from kids calling them names to the neighbours "forgetting" to send them an invitation to a house party, but ultimately the story focuses much more on the characters' relationships with each other, be they gay or not. In fact, the movie does not find it necessary at all to specifically point out that it is OK to be gay as it goes without saying right from the start. A less subtle film could have been built entirely around stereotypes like effeminate clothing, lispy voices and giggly flamboyancy but the couple in Patrik 1,5 is completely ordinary and very likable (if also a bit generic and unmemorable, like average people are) – the film laughs with them, not at them. A downside would be that in its quest for ordinariness, the film does not differ very much from many other movies about parenthood.

Although the overall mood and "message" of the film are thoroughly sympathetic, its basis as a feel-good dramedy lessens the effect of the serious drama plot regarding Göran's suspicions of Sven not being the right guy for him after all. More masculine than his partner, Sven is not free of prejudices himself and acts in a very hostile manner toward Patrik who always comes across as more scared than tough (even surprisingly so, being a convicted delinquent and all). When the focus is subsequently turned to the budding friendship of Göran and Patrik, the gay theme becomes secondary and the film plays out like any family drama of a sullen kid opening up in a loving family. Cheesiness is not entirely avoided although the actors do a very good job throughout, particularly Skarsgård and Petersson as the lead couple.

Besides the cheese, other complaints about the movie could include things like occasionally overly shaky camera work and the somewhat underdeveloped character of Sven's daughter Isabell (Amanda Davin). The hostilities between the super-friendly Göran and the secretly sensitive Patrik also dissolve unrealistically quickly but I guess they wanted to keep the mood on the lighter side after all so wallowing in past traumas could not be paid too much attention. Nonetheless, I liked Lemhagen's film alright and greatly prefer it to, for instance, the Adam Sandler comedy I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry (2007) that wanted both to make fun of gays and promote their acceptance at the same time. In the end, Patrik 1,5 is certainly a movie about more than just gay issues and can be recommend to anyone looking for a positive little tale of family relationships.

I found this film to be a very satisfying experience, but then again, much of Swedish cinema has this effect upon me.

This is not so much a story about a gay couple attempting to adopt a baby boy (and being sent a surly, delinquent 15-year-old) as it is about family, relationships, fitting in, making compromises, and ultimately discovering that what you have may just be what you need.

Most of the movie takes place in a 'nice' suburban street, a kind of Stepford-meets-Pleasantville. Residents spend their spare time in the garden, socialising with others in the street, and being nice to one another. Enter a gay couple who are in the process of adopting a child. Not only does the neighbourhood have to adjust, but so do the couple themselves, and eventually the 'child' they adopt.

Gustaf Skarsgard carries this film almost single-handed. His character - Goran - is subtle, charming, patient and caring. He is the one who eventually forms a meaningful relationship with the 'son' who turns up at their door - wonderfully played by Tom Ljungman, who will be someone to keep an eye on in the future. It's hard to believe he was only 16 at the time of filming, as he creates a character in 3 dimensions.

I like people-movies, and this is definitely a people movie. It is not complicated or terribly deep, but it held my attention fully, and I was sorry when it ended.

Just one more comment........... There is a blue car which speeds down the street, and kids and dogs have to jump out of its way. This happens about 2-3 times throughout the course of the film, and is never explained. It reminded me of the motor cycle which sped through the town in 'Local Hero'; rather a nice touch, although not original.

9 stars.

It's an enormous relief to spot that a number of contemporary gay-themed films are not wallowing in the coming-out-of-the-closet drama which dominates the genre since early 90s, like Ira Sachs's autobiographic self-inspective melodrama KEEP THE LIGHTS ON (2012, 7/10), this 2008 film, a Swedish dramedy from female director Ella Lemhagen dabbles in the foster family territory, a married gay couple, are jauntily expecting an adoptive infant boy from their hard-earned opportunity (god knows how difficult it could be in the real world), nevertheless what eventually arrives is a 15 year-old delinquent courtesy of a peccadillo (a miss-put comma, literally) by the adoption authority, and as one could easily assume, contradictions and correlations among the three male creatures kick off in a well-balanced but over-sanguine spectacle.

Don't be disappointed if the majority of the real Nordic lands are not as bright and sunlit as this film portrays, distinctly has shot in the prime season of the year, the picturesque settings are as pleasant and care-free as the tenor of the film, even the most conspicuous scandal, the connotation of pedophilia is only backhandedly passing by without hampering the generally feel good tone.

The cast is properly chosen, the Gustaf Skarsgård and Torkel Petersson pair doesn't ignite an authentic homosexual attraction or ambiance within (just judging by the film, I could ascertain that both actors are straight in real life) but Gustaf is splendidly managing a carefully-studied walking posture, which is convincingly gay-proof. The young actor Tom Ljungman has some hooligan strain, but the character itself has never done any damage or rebellious enough to make things uglier (a merciful gesture from the filmmakers).

So after all, this film has some merit in bringing a whiff of fresh air into the stale corner but the truth is, on the whole, it is just too sweet and mediocre to be appreciated just as Gustaf's character, a idealistically nice guy and deserves a perfect life while being simplified into a role model like an existential angel,alas, film should originates from life but also should outstrips it, this one barely accomplishes this gauge.

Honestly, one is hard pressed to understand how folks care so little to show any actual insight or to reflect thoughtfully on what they take in as films as to judge this so highly on the basis they typed out here in their other reviews. As many noted, this is very predictable. Worse then predictable is the contrivances set up so that the plot occurs as the screenwriters limited imagination and creativity drags it forward. Yes, some of the acting is decent or better, but none of these people are going to be nominated for their acting in any significant way. That it won an audience award at the SF film festival has more to do with people's desire for approbation and the fact that it was a foreign film - as similar films, such as "Breakfast With Scott" (again, weak plot, contrived scenes, decent acting) or even the more closely related film, except it featured two brothers, only one of which was homophobic, "Get Your Stuff," (and again a week, contrived plot albeit exceedingly similar in that the couple except a baby and ended up getting two pre - teens) don't get the same kind of love -- mainly and quite frankly -- because their defects are far more clear and obvious in English.

I can't remember the last time I was so completely charmed and moved by a film. What an absolute delight, and a wonderful achievement from everyone involved.

I'm very lucky because for my work I get to watch at least one or two films a day, but good lord, most of those films are tedious to watch all the way through even once - so it's very rare to encounter films that can be watched with pleasure over and over again. And I'm not talking about super-duper-once-in-a-lifetime films like Aliens that of course we can watch a million times, but films made on modest budgets by teams who obviously put their hearts and souls into making something beautiful and meaningful with limited resources.

Patrik 1.5 is an unusual romantic comedy in that it's about the love relationship between fathers and sons - a (non-sexual) love story between a man (Goran) who desperately wants a son and a boy (Patrik) who desperately wants a father. It's also a love story between the audience and Goran, played absolutely perfectly by Gustaf Skarsgard - I cannot believe that even the grumpiest conservative could not fall in love with such a beautiful, kind, caring, vulnerable but brave person, and I think it's depictions of regular guy gay characters like this in films that will have more influence in bringing about change for the better than the most strident political hectoring. What the film recognises and depicts so beautifully is that in any father son relationship, the sons, even very young sons, understand that sometimes they have to look after their dads (or father figures) - that's what it means to be a man. Perhaps the reason the film provoked so many tears for me is because it made me realise all the love that my deceased father needed that I was not able to give him.

Director Ella Lemhagen has done a fantastic job organising cast, crew and production staff to build a first rate film on a bargain budget. And of course that would not have been possible without the most crucial raw material, the complex and beautiful script by Michael Druker. The production design is superb, and the music, by Fredrik Emilson, is perfectly judged to enhance and colour the moments of poignancy and desperate unspoken longing.

And Gustaf Skarsgard - what to say? How is he not the most famous and adored of the Skarsgard acting clan? Usually I don't have much respect for actor children of established stars, because you always feel they got a leg-up into an exciting job that we'd all love to do but don't have the chance. But I don't get the impression that Gustaf Skarsgard is an entitled movie brat - I think he really surrendered himself into this role and let down all his defences to give people a beautiful cinematic, and emotionally cathartic, experience - and that's not something that many actors are capable of, or willing, to do, whether they come from acting families or not.

Anyway, for me this is one of those very rare films that scores 10 out of 10.

This is a lovely, gentle, intelligent and totally believable movie that explores so many different themes through the simple premise of a gay couple wanting to adopt a child and not getting exactly what they had expected. While the ending may be predictable - and completely satisfying! - it is the getting there that makes this movie so good. The movie explores homophobia, social expectations, delinquency, relationship dysfunction and more and does so in a way that is not preachy or overly emotional or sensationalised. It is all low-key and completely believable. This is combined with great acting, truly likeable main characters and an engaging story and makes for a wonderful movie.

This movie made me laugh and cry. I rarely watch films about gay men, but I must say this film was exceptional. It alludes to intimacy without actual sex scenes. The character development is a little bit questionable, but possible. The main theme though,if you can get past the fact that it is about 2 gay male partners, is the resolution of a blended family. It is also about people becoming more accepting of gay marriage and adoption. I thought the acting was great and the plot believable.

I rarely watch foreign films with subtitles, but I must say they were in large type and did not interfere with my enjoyment of the movie. If you don't like movies with happy endings this is not for you.

I'd like to say something positive about this film, but sadly, it's a train wreck from start to finish.

The narrative is clichéd and uninteresting, the script is weak, the characters are stock and undeveloped, there's no authentic drama or comedy to speak of, most of the acting is simply terrible.

And the director includes about seven pop song breaks with no dialog- no kidding.

I can't imagine a film school graduate making anything so bad.

Just a horrid, amateurish film. Complete waste of time.

Extra line of text here to meet minimum requirements (Thanks IMDb!)

I just love the movie, it's beautifully done.

The development of each characters emotions is spot in this movie. I love every bits of the movie.

Although the other details could have been prepared better, I still think the production team have done a great job focusing on the 3 main characters. Regardless of the others, the 3 actors did a wonderful especially Patrik and Goran.

It does not contain too much(any) softcore porn like a particular gay-themed movie does and it's definitely watchable for all.

The storyline is just wonderful, cute, and refreshing. It's just keeping you smile hours after the movie. It even gets to the point where I said to myself that I wish that I will get the same family too. lol.

ANYWAY, if anyone saw similar movies like this one please reply this post or leave me a message. Thanks!

Often when you watch a "gay" movie, you have to allow for some bad acting, predictable story, and tired stereotypes. This film has none of those problems and in fact, is tough to really label as a "gay" film as that's just a small factor in the plot. It's a film about relationships - how they begin, how they end, how they end up when all is said and done, and how we manage going from one phase to another despite our intentions or beliefs. The performances are wonderful, the story is well-written, and the emotional pay-off is genuine. There's no dramatic moment waiting to shock you, just a quiet, well-told tale of 3 people who each have their own demons to fight that happen to be connected to one another by choice or chance.

Charming, warm, gentle, kind. There is nothing bad here. I love it not only as one of the best "arthouse" films I've watched, but as one of the best dramas I've seen.

The film is understated. Everything that happens is believable, nothing crazily exaggerated for the movies. The protagonist is half of a gay male couple. He is a doctor. He is quite sensitive. The world around him treats him quite badly, no matter how hard he tries to play fair and compassionately. His neighbours pretend to be liberal and accepting, while teaching their kids homophobia behind his back.

In one brilliant scene, he has to give a little girl a vaccination. She asks him if he is a "homo". He answers yes. Then she asks what it means. He explains he loves males rather than females. She asks him who in particular he loves. She has no prejudice at all. Her father bursts in and violently accuses him of being a paedophile. Nobody in the movie seems to understand the difference between gay and paedophile. Our protagonist sees it as pointless to try to set them straight.

Our protagonist is compassionate. He is able help others by seeing the world from their perspective, and by ignoring the rude or thoughtless things they say.

The boy is a brat, but not an outrageous brat. He comes around just from continuous gentle kindness.

I loved it! The background of the film was a mix between that of Pushing Up Daises and August Rush, the plot was deep and current, and the characters made me laugh and cry. Patrik was an @$$ in the beginning but slowly softened up and so did Sven. And Göran was kind hearted and real. I loved how they evolved over span of the film and how their actions said more then the words they sad. Anyone straight, gay, bi, or lesbian should see this. I laughed out loud at the retort of Göran and Patrik, and cried at the moments od Patrik's baby pics and the separation of Sven and Göran. I wish that all people had the opportunity to watch this because it would open their eyes to problems that still go on today, and soften hearts.