Havnaa

This is a superb piece of cinematic entertainment based on the true story of the brothers Erling and Magne Havnaa, who became household names for their careers in boxing, kickboxing... and bank robbing. Bård Breien (Kunsten å tenke negativt) directs with a remarkable drive; the film bumbles along and takes you confidently through the highs and lows of these two remarkable lives without ever resorting to adulation or sentimentalism. Expert cinematography (Askild Edvardsen) and set decoration (Oto Häusler) recreate the late 1980s/early 1990s with vivid remembrance, and Breien finds a balance between sprightly comedy and mindful drama that even Milos Forman would have been proud of. Still, the film's greatest asset is its two stars: Tobias Santelmann as Erling and Odin Waage as Magne. The incomparable Santelmann brings a wonderful gusto to his part and is about to establish himself as one of Norway's greatest actors of his generation. And the up-and-coming Waage demonstrates an understated depth as Magne.

Havnaa is the true story about two brothers' complex relationship as they take on the world of professional boxing. Raw talent Magne, being coached by big brother Erling, rises through the ranks towards the world-championship while ultimately, Erlings' notorious claim to fame is his' participating in Norways largest heist; the Nokas robbery. The acting is great throughout the ensamble with standouts such as Johannes Joner, charming curmudgeon Kai, father of the brothers and Jacob Lohmanns quiet intensity in his portrayal of promotor Mogens Palle. Tobias Santelmann and Odin Waage are the stars here though, doing a very sympathetic job of portraying the brothers Havnaa. Askild Edvardsens sober cinematography needs to be noted as he beautifully conjurs up smalltown nostalgia with his portraying of 80's Risør. Director and scripwriter Bård Breien has as always done a stellar job, actually upping the ante here to have created a quiet, gripping masterpiece of a film. Holding it's own in the company of sports-biographies such as The Fighter, Cinderella Man and Raging Bull. This is at heart an expertly told and acted story of brotherly love, of finding one's path and then having the fighting spirit to follow it, or not.