Ola Solum's 1990 film is based on aclaimed Norwegian writer Knut Hamsun's 1927 novel of the same name.
The film is set in Norway in the mid 1800s, and it followes the young adult Edevart (played by Trond P. S. Munch) and his journey from the tiny village of Polden in the Norhern part of Norway to eventually the promised land of America.
His journey, both physically and mentally, is helped along by the mysterious August, part adventurer, con man and tramp. The latter disappears from the story for different lenght of times, but always reappears.
Solum's film shows the diversity of life in Norway during this time. It is beautifully shot, with locations from Hamarøy to Vagsøy. Munch plays the protagonist charismatic and believable. The story of Edevart and Lovise Margrete really makes hou take part in their relationship and feel. Parts of the soundtrack are excellent.
Helge Jordal does a memorable job of playing August, although he overplays at times. I also feel that a lot of the characters are not so believable, and it's difficult to understand the choices they make and their reactions throughout the film. The dialogue, or more how things are expressed, is typically Norwegian theatre 1980s style. Overdramatic.
But regardless of the flaws, this is a nice part of Norwegian cinema.
The film is set in Norway in the mid 1800s, and it followes the young adult Edevart (played by Trond P. S. Munch) and his journey from the tiny village of Polden in the Norhern part of Norway to eventually the promised land of America.
His journey, both physically and mentally, is helped along by the mysterious August, part adventurer, con man and tramp. The latter disappears from the story for different lenght of times, but always reappears.
Solum's film shows the diversity of life in Norway during this time. It is beautifully shot, with locations from Hamarøy to Vagsøy. Munch plays the protagonist charismatic and believable. The story of Edevart and Lovise Margrete really makes hou take part in their relationship and feel. Parts of the soundtrack are excellent.
Helge Jordal does a memorable job of playing August, although he overplays at times. I also feel that a lot of the characters are not so believable, and it's difficult to understand the choices they make and their reactions throughout the film. The dialogue, or more how things are expressed, is typically Norwegian theatre 1980s style. Overdramatic.
But regardless of the flaws, this is a nice part of Norwegian cinema.
