3 out of 5

Director: Anders Nilsson

‘Gruppen För Särskilda Insatser’ – GSI – is the most complexly and patiently plotted of the Johan films up to this point in the series, and yet it sets aside much of the political / social commentary of the proceeding entries.  Similarly, it’s the most confident portrayal of Falk by both Nilsson’s script and actor Eklund, and yet we leave behind much of the relationship wavering and emotional instability that was previously touched on.  That GSI doesn’t at all come across as a sidestep despite these shifts is to the credit of the team involved.  The whole thing oozes with believability and durability – all of the same cast returns, even in minor roles, and Nilsson again strikes this odd balance between eyes ahead story-telling and genre moments that elevate the flick onto a higher plane.

Some things are a bit confusing in part due to my subtitles being rather wonky, but there’s also a lot of quickly explained inter-department double-dealing of which we’re given the gist but not spoon fed the explanations.  Falk is back on the force as a government liason between a special crime forces unit (GSI) and various agencies.  The most appealing thing about the Johan character is that we really respect him.  He’s been shown to be competent, but in a very human fashion.  He took his steps, he went through the training, and he’s not superman, he’s just observant, honest, and reliable.  Jakob Eklund nails the role once more, giving JF the air of a man who thinks about his actions, but doesn’t have to face it with a Hollywood stoic stare, welcoming curious stares or goofy grins where appropriate.  There’s a very direct threat this time around in the form of six masked men who have gotten away with several violent robberies, and as Johan accompanies his GSI mates on attempts to catch those involved, he discovers bit by bit that undercover agents and confusing alliances abound.

Nilsson holds back one great card until about midway, and then the rest is given that so un-Hollywood truthful treatment.  I kept expecting a rug to be pulled out but it’s played mostly straight – the good guys are good, the bad guys are bad, with some fudging of lines in order that each may achieve certain goals.  And that’s where some of the extra drama comes into play.

The series is established enough by this point that nothing flashy needs to be done stylistically, and that’s for better and for worse – I was riveted to the screen the entire time, but I have to admit that not much really happened, and so there’s not so much of a threat out there as in flick 1-3.  Though during one incredibly effective scene Nilsson reminds us that violence definitely exists in this world.

Berndt Nilsson’s score is pushed way to the background on this go, which is a shame, as when it plays in full over the end credits it’s a pretty stunning quiet to loud to quiet theme.

Overall this was another effective entry, but felt like somewhat of an experiment to see where the series could go.  With Falk now part of GSI and some new characters established, I… again… look forward to the next film, wherein I expect the ideas floated across the screen here to be strengthened into a tighter and more directly thrilling story.