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Greetings again from the darkness. Can't say I ever remember seeing a film from Norway, but this is a delightful, charming, touching little film that most people will find entertaining. Two grown men are released from a state home and set-up in their own apartment in Oslo. Watching their somewhat torturous adjustment to "normal" life is both painful and amusing. Lead character, Elling, stumbles upon his innate talent of writing poetry, but his fear of recognition forces him to be quite creative in finding his audience. Roommate Kjel is a sweaty mechanic with a heart of gold and stated desire to meet girls. Their journey is intertwined with guidance from a previously famous writer, their social case worker, and a pregnant neighbor. Many laughs throughout, but also a nice message. Go ahead ... answer the phone.

I doubt how many North Americans have heard of this Norwegian film, but I'm glad I discovered it. I've watched it twice and been very entertained by it. One warning for those inspired to check this out: the first half hour can be a bit boring, but stick with it and you'll be rewarded with a very funny, charming film.

The story centers around two guys who are released out of a state mental hospital and given an apartment to live in (with a probation-type officer keeping tabs on how they're adjusting.) At first, it's tough as they guys are kind of clueless on how to do things on their own, particularly "mama's boy" Elling who is even afraid to use a telephone. His roommate is a big oaf whose main concern in life is to have sex with a woman.

In time, these guys learn nicely how to adjust. Even better, they make a friend or two and help those people with their problems. That's where the charm of the film comes in. Most of the humor is provided by "Elling," who narrates the film with some wonderful dry humor. At first, his whining gets annoying but after he calms down in his new surroundings, he's fun. His roommate winds up as a straight man for his jokes. The roommate, "Kjell Bjarne," is a big help to everyone including a pregnant, abandoned lady. He's an oaf, but one with a big heart.

This is really different and nice story. It's not for kids with a dozen or so s and f- words, but kids wouldn't like this film anyway. The movie will leave the rest of you with a smile on your face.

This has to be one of the best films from Norway that I've ever seen. OK, so it's the first film from Norway that I've ever seen, but it is a great movie. Very uplifting and heartwarming, yet the characters are very interesting and believable unlike many movies out there these days. And a quick reply to Andrés M. Rais who felt that this movie was "feel-good propaganda". Sorry if life isn't always great, in fact most of the time it just plain sucks. But that is why we watch movies. If you go into every movie expecting bad endings and horrible things to happen all the time, because that is how you feel life is, you need to re-examine your view on life (maybe get some Prozac too). Go rent a documentary about genocide, famine, and global warming, and keep your negative comments to yourself please. Almost every other comment on this site has been positive, so if you are trying to decide whether or not to watch this movie, just ignore Andrés.

BTW: If you liked the movie Amelie, you will probably like this movie (also, if you liked this movie, you will probably like Amelie :).

In a world of big blockbuster movies, it is wonderful to know that there are still films like "Elling"--even if it is subtitled from Norwegian. The interactions between the characters throughout the film require superb acting and they get it. Elling and Kjell Bjarne who are mentally re-acclimating to society live together and play off of each other's quirks evoking comedy and sympathy in a fine balance. Kjell Bjarne, a large slob, and Elling, a fragile man suffering from obsessive compulsive disorder and removal anxiety from his mother, evoke laughter and sympathy. It is a pity that films like "Elling" are so rare compared to the huge-budget monstrosities we call entertainment. Films like "Elling" bring the art back into film-making.

Few films warm my heart with the regularity of "Elling." (I make it a point to watch it about once a month.) Though the film lacks most of the ingredients for widespread commercial success (big stars, lots of sex, action, etc.) its appeal, to me, are its unremitting warmth and charm; and I was gratified to see "The Academy" (the Oscar folks) recognize its beauty, as well ("Elling" was a "Best Foreign Film" nominee.) You will not regret picking up "Elling." However, I heartily recommend the "subtitled" version; avoid the "dubs!" The subtlety, nuance, and beauty of the Norwegian language are one of the film's "uncredited characters." I recommend "Elling" without reservation.

For me, this is one of the real highlight's of the Cambridge Film Festival 2002. A beautiful, moving, funny, and heartwarming film that manages to avoid any cheap sentimentality. Elling is a middle-aged man who once lived an isolated existence with his mother, but is taken into an institution when his mother dies. The film follows his progress in coming to terms with the world. Per Christian Ellefsen gives a stunning performance as Elling. A must see movie.

Elling has become one of the best Norwegians film to date and it holds a special position because it's probably one of the first Norwegian movies to be exported and viewed by people in a great variety of countries all over the world. And with good reason. Elling was nominated for an Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film and that probably gave a lot of promotion. Several other Norwegian films have been nominated for the same category, but no one has had such a great success outside Norway as Elling.

Elling follows the two characters Elling and Kjell Bjarne as they are released from an institution and moves into their own apartment. Both have serious social problems, so their new life is gonna be quite a challenge. As the days goes by they meet a couple of other people witch brings Elling and Kjell Bjarnes relationship to several test.

Based on a book by Ingvar Ambjørnsen, Elling is a well written and very charming movie. The dialog is well written and perfectly delivered. It is a movie out of the ordinary and something for everyone to enjoy. No matter country or generation. The lovable characters of Elling and Kjell Bjarne is excellent portrayed by Per Christian Ellefsen and Sven Nordin. Peter Næss does a good job in the directors chair and Lars Lillo-Stenberg gives the movie a nice score. All together this make up a great, funny, charming and lovely movie. Elling is a comedy, yet it is also a drama. The characters and the actors who brings them to life is just hilarious, yet their social dysfunction is a rather serious problem and you kind of feel bad for them and wish them to get better. Elling might have the biggest problem as he have to deal with his jealousy when Kjell Bjarne meets someone else. The interaction between the characters and Elling jealousy is very well captured and that's partly what makes this a great movie.

If you ought to see one Norwegian movie Elling should be it! That way it will not be the last Norwegian movie you see.

This is the main theme of the film: Hold on to your dream and never give up in life.

I think Per Christian Ellefsen's performance as Elling was pretty much the best acting I've seen in my life. Sven Nordin reminds a little bit of Gerard Depardieu, and the character he plays reminds a tiny bit of Lenny of "Of Mice And Men" but more intelligent.

It's the story of two men who are apparently too old to start their "own" lives, but virtually have to do so by all means as a result of their lives up to date. Neither of them is substantially retarded or mad, just a little bit over-eccentric which makes things harder for them. One day, the competent authorities of the Norwegian government decide to release them from their "captivity" in the institution, and give them a chance to live a "real life" on their very own, and social worker Frank is there to assist them. It won't be easy for the two socially-impaired men, but it will turn out to be easier and nicer than they (especially Elling) fear.

The rest is for you to watch in the film. And by all means, watch it! Per Christian Ellefsen's acting is absolutely fascinating, and everything is well put in the scenario. A beautiful film from a beautiful country.

"Elling" tells of a middle aged man who was sheltered from life by his mother and upon her death is so socially inept and anxious he can't function independently and has to be institutionalized. While in the hospital, he bonds with another man and once habilitated the two men take up residence together in a government provided flat. Very similar to "The Odd Couple", this film generates its humor from the men's many differences and its pathos from their quirky but earnest attempts to forge a life on their own. "Elling" is a pleasing mix of humor and heart which will appeal most to foreign film buffs, especially those who like the "Odd Couple" premise. (B)

A comedy masterpiece. Sometimes tragic but more often outrageously funny, this wonderful tale of two mentally challenged outcasts caught me fully unprepared.

There wasn't a single face without a wide grin in the audience after this film. An amazing script, fantastic actors: this was the feel-good movie of 2001. 9 stars out of 10.

In case you're interested in more underrated masterpieces, here's some of my favorites:

imdb.com/list/ls070242495

Director Peter Naess last movie (ABSOLUTE HANGOVER) was a riot, full of genuine laughs; a big hit at Film Festivals here. So well received, he even came all the way from Norway to the Southern Hemisphere when he was unknown. At the time, his film and his approach were pretty original also.

However, the freshness is now gone, and we have in ELLING one of the most overrated non-English language films of 2001. This boring film with its all too familiar plot even made the final cut to be an Oscar nominee as Best Foreign Language Picture!!

Why do Scandinavian directors continue to lecture us about their welfare crazed society, replete with drunks, unwed mothers, and mental cases? We've all been shown for decades and know all too well that these countries (Norwegian and Danish films in particular) are ice-cold, boring social welfare states, populated by dull people, who at their most fun and creative, are terminally alcoholic and promiscuous (the two go hand in hand as if they can't even have sex either unless they're wiped out on their butts -literally).

Enough already. ELLING is one more Scandinavian bore to be avoided. We expected more from this young Norwegian director, but he has deceived us... at least us film festival fans, who are sick of seeing the same old and tired characters and situations in Scandinavian cinema. It's a good thing other themes are being explored, such as the exploitation of Russian women as sex slaves and small Norwegian town doctor as a cross dresser.

See those "new" Scandinavian movies, and skip this tired, beaten and dead frozen horse. If you must see an "Elling," then wait until 2003. As you probably noticed upon researching this movie in this site, another ELLING awaits us next year. Take your chances on that one.

Elling is a very odd man. He lived the first 40 years of his life with his mother--never leaving his home. When she died, he was discovered living in this hovel and was places in a psychiatric institution. Now, over two years later, the hospital is discharging him and he's to share an apartment with his friend Kjell. The problem is Elling IS mentally disturbed--with a lot of assorted symptoms of various anxiety disorders--plus he's just plain weird. As for Kjell, he, too, comes from the hospital and both are VERY awkward when it comes to fitting in to the community. What will happen with these two strange men? Will they make it or will they need to return to the hospital?

I noticed that IMDb listed this film as a comedy. I really don't think it is a funny film, nor does it try to be--but it IS quirky. Instead, I see the film as a nice slice of life. It does NOT make fun of the characters but has a nice affection for them. Overall, an engaging and sweet little Norwegian film.

I just saw "Elling" and found it to be the most charming film I've seen in ages. The two main characters are totally engaging, and I found myself falling in love with them.

I just hope an American film maker doesn't buy the rights and Americanize it to the point of stupidity. Elling is an intelligent, sensitive film, but also laugh out loud funny. From the round of applause at the end of the film, I'd say it was certainly a crowd pleaser.

One important detail was extremely well-done. The subtitles for this Norwegian film were clear and easy to read, unlike some others I've seen.

I have always been interested in Scandinavian countries. Their aloofness has fascinated maybe because of my own aloofness in dealing with things. I have seen two Norwegian films , this and Den Brysommen Mannen. While both are good this one is the better of the two.

Elling is a simple tale. This almost could have been a sitcom if the leads weren't mad. Elling is moved into an institution after the death of his mother. He is a fractured soul having never communicated with the outside world. He has seen and interacted with the world only through his mother. At the institution he meets Bjarne wherein the seeds for the beautiful friendship are sown.

The movie is about two mad men released from the institution to live in society again. It is very well done. Even the little cheesy ending in the café but it is handled with aplomb that when it actually happens it no longer matters.

Anyone who wants to enjoy a quite poetic little film will not be disappointed.

When I first saw this movie, I did not like it to much. That's because I had read all 4 books about the main character and somehow felt connected to him. 2nd time I saw this movie I changed my opinion. This movie is really good. Characters you have to love, struggling with all the inner demons most of us, at one time or another, are slightly familiar with. Elling & Kjell Bjarne are 2 people outside the world most of us live in, and they are struggling to get inside. And what a joyful struggle. I cheer the main characters, director, photo & music. Some flaws are present, but they are not big enough to ruin this movie. You should see it. The casting is so good that I have to question the fact that Hollywood are planning on making an american (sigh!) version. They can't do it, I know that for a fact already. These actors in the original movie ARE the characters. Impressive stuff.

A weird little character we get introduced here. I had seen the cover in my video story but never got around to rent it. Well I finally got around to it ... on a streaming service, which I guess is a bit weird, but here goes nothing.

You have to love character driven movies and movies that are quirky and weird to say the least. The humor will not be everyones taste, but if you buy into it and are in the right mood, you'll have quite the fun and enjoyable ride to say the least. The characters are very well drawn and while you may laugh with them, you also feel for them and their tragic circumstances. Cool ideas and a concept that brings together a band of misfits do the trick ...

Pleasant film from Norway,About Two troubled, different men find there way in Life, Anyone who wants to enjoy a quite poetic little film will not be disappointed.

"Elling" shows that European actors can also fall victim to "Rain Man"/"I Am Sam"-itis.

We get a Norwegian take on a story-line very similar to the documentary "Best Boy," as we learn that it wasn't just in New York that a generation of developmentally-disabled adults was hidden by shamed or neglectful parents and didn't benefit from special education and mainstreaming, but now are thrust into community, independent living, as are the de-institutionalized Oscar and Felix here, who also seems to have compulsive obsessive disorder, among confusing symptoms.

How they learn their way, such as using telephones, and find tolerantly eccentric guides to the real world is amusing and optimistic.

In the inevitable Hollywood version, I'm quite sure the guiding social worker will not be a leonine chain-smoker, and if he is there'll be a romance for him too.

The subtitles are of the old-fashioned kind where the characters talk excitedly for a couple of minutes and we get one line of written dialog.

(originally written 6/16/2002)