Elling
by Petter N?ss
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DVD Cover Information
Actor: J?rgen Langhelle, Marit Pia Jacobsen, Per Christensen, Per Christian Ellefsen, Sven NordinDirector: Petter N?ss
Cinematographer: Svein Kr?vel
Editor: Inge-Lise Langfeldt
Producer: Dag Alveberg
Producer: Ivar K?hn
Writer: Axel Hellstenius
Writer: Ingvar Ambj?rnsen
Writer: Larry Stuckey
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: Norwegian (Original Language); English (Subtitled)
Format: Color, DVD-Video, NTSC, Subtitled
Picture Format: 1.33:1
Running Time: 89 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2002-11-19
Audience Rating: R (Restricted)
Studio: First Look Pictures
Movie Reviews of Elling
Movie Review: an engaging film dealing with serious issues in a classy and even humorous way
Summary: 5 Stars
Elling is an outstanding motion picture that showcases mentally ill persons as human beings with so much more to them than just their emotional problems. We get excellent portrayals of two mentally ill people thanks to a script and great acting that develop these characters with clarity, compassion and realism. The film doesn't pull any punches about mental illness; but it doesn't show that people have to be confined to their chains, either--and that's grand. The cinematography and the choreography work very well; and the acting is extremely convincing. The plot moves along at an excellent pace; I was never once bored.
When the action starts, we quickly meet two men undergoing rehab in a mental institution: Elling (Per Christian Ellefsen) and Kjell Bjarne (Sven Nordin). They share a room at the rehab center and they get along so well that when they are released the state decides to get them supervised housing as roommates once again. Of course, going out into the real world, even with the help of their new social worker Frank (J?rgen Langhelle) scares them; but we see that they are willing to at least give it a try.
At first giving it a try is a tough uphill battle in and of itself even though in their hearts they want to succeed. Going to the supermarket and answering the telephone create a huge amount of stress, especially for the shy and sensitive Elling. Kjell has his own emotional baggage; in particular he's obsessed with finding a girlfriend because he's never been alone with a woman. Kjell is remarkably shy around women; he never knows what to say.
Things gradually begin to change. Elling gradually confronts his fears about going out of their apartment, especially after his first attempts fail and social worker Frank begins to threaten to kick them out of the apartment and send them both back to the hospital if they don't confront their fears. Elling eventually goes to a poetry meeting and decides to become an emerging mysterious poet; and Kjell falls in love with a pregnant woman who lives in their apartment building. The woman, Reidun Nordsletten (Marit Pia Jacobsen), begins to fall for Kjell, too; and she invites him over for dinner.
Of course, the plot can go anywhere from here. As time goes by, Elling makes a new friend named Alfons J?rgensen (Per Christensen). Alfons helps Elling come out of his shell and encourages Elling to write more poetry after reading some of Elling's work. Meanwhile, Kjell drifts in his own direction as he becomes increasingly involved with Reidun. This could threaten the friendship between Elling and Kjell; how will they handle that? How might Reidun react if she finds out that Kjell is recently released from an institution--will she dump him or not? And what about Elling and his poetry work--will Elling turn his back on Kjell and focus on his new profession? Watch and find out!
The DVD would have been a bit nicer if there had been a bonus featurette; all we get is "scene selection" and three trailers for other films. However, the film is so well done this actually becomes a minor complaint.
Elling will move you and even educate some people about what the mentally ill can accomplish despite their problems. I highly recommend this film for fans of the actors in this movie; people interested in human dramas and psychology would do well to get this film on DVD.
Summary of Elling
Two misfits trying to find their way in the world. Elling & his best friend kjell are given their own apartment in oslo. The two find oddball ways to cope with society striking up unlikely friendships in the strangest places. Studio: First Look Home Entertain Release Date: 07/22/2003 Starring: Per Christian Ellefsen Run time: 89 minutes Rating: R Director: Petter NaessThis Norwegian comedy (nominated for an Academy Award?) concerns two men being released from a state home. Until the death of his mother, Elling rarely left the apartment where they lived; Kjell has lived in institutions most of his life and is obsessed with sex, as any virgin in his 30s might be. Thanks to a new social program, the two roommates are given an apartment in Oslo--if they can manage to live independently. At first simply answering the phone or buying groceries is a struggle, but as they taste freedom, their lives become an exciting adventure. In a Hollywood movie, these two would be cute goofballs; what makes Elling so very engaging is how genuinely awkward and uncomfortable Elling and Kjell are. Their difficulties in the world are treated with respect and realism, which makes their progress bracing and their success delightful. A charming film. --Bret Fetzer
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