Elling

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.

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 :).

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.

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.

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.