Bombi Bitt och jag is a weirdly charming Swedish time capsule

You should watch this if you have a soft spot for old-timey rascals and dusty roads. It is perfect for a lazy Sunday when you don't want to think too hard. People who hate slow, black-and-white movies from the thirties will probably find it boring as heck though.

The whole thing feels like a memory that’s been sitting in a drawer for too long. It’s based on a famous book, but you can tell the movie is just happy to show off the beautiful Swedish landscape. 🇸🇪

Bombi Bitt is the lead, played by Frank Sundström, and he has this wild look in his eyes. He’s the kind of kid your mom would tell you to stay away from.

Then there is Eli, the station master's son. He looks so clean and proper at the start, but you just know that won't last.

There is this one scene where they are walking through the tall grass. The camera just hangs there for a while, watching the wind move the weeds.

It’s actually quite peaceful, even if nothing is really happening. I found myself wondering if they had to swat away alot of mosquitoes while filming those parts.

The acting is very... theatrical? Everyone speaks like they are trying to reach the back row of a big theater.

It reminded me of the vibe in Gordon of Ghost City, where the adventure feels a bit stiff but still fun. Sture Lagerwall shows up too, and he always brings a weird energy to the screen.

I noticed one reaction shot of a townsperson that goes on about five seconds too long. It starts to feel like the actor forgot they were being filmed.

It’s a bit funny, honestly. The movie gets noticeably better once the kids actually start their little adventures and stop talking so much.

The crowd scenes have this oddly empty feeling, like maybe they couldn't afford enough extras that day. You see the same three guys standing in the background of different shots.

There is a lot of talk about honor and being a 'man,' which feels very dated now. But that’s part of the charm, I guess.

It isn't quite as dramatic as something like The Petrified Forest. It’s much more of a folk comedy than a heavy drama.

I think the best part is just seeing how people lived back then. The costumes look itchy and heavy.

Eli’s hat is always slightly crooked. I kept wanting to reach into the screen and fix it for him.

Sometimes the music gets really loud for no reason. It’s that old-school orchestral stuff that sounds like it’s coming out of a tin can.

The plot doesn't really have a big 'point' to it. It’s just a series of things that happen to these two boys.

One moment they are at a fair, and the next they are just wandering around. It’s very episodic and loose.

It's greatest sin is probably the pacing. There is a middle section where they just sit by a river and talk about things that don't matter much.

I almost checked my phone during that bit. But then Bombi Bitt does something clever and you're back in it.

It’s a sweet movie, in a rough kind of way. It doesn't try to be a masterpiece, and that’s why it works.

If you like seeing 1900s Sweden and kids being pests, give it a look. It’s a nice little trip back in time. 🚂