Elling (2001)

When his mother, who has sheltered him his entire 40 years, dies, Elling, a sensitive, would-be poet, is sent to live in a state institution. There he meets Kjell Bjarne, a gentle giant and... See full summary »

Director:

Petter Næss

Writers:

Ingvar Ambjørnsen (novel), Axel Hellstenius,

Stars:

Per Christian Ellefsen, Sven Nordin, Marit Pia Jacobsen

Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 14 wins & 3 nominations.

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Per Christian Ellefsen	...	Elling
Sven Nordin	...	Kjell Bjarne
Marit Pia Jacobsen	...	Reidun Nordsletten
Jørgen Langhelle	...	Frank Åsli
Per Christensen	...	Alfons Jørgensen
Hilde Olausson	...	Gunn
Ola Otnes	...	Hauger
Eli Anne Linnestad	...	Johanne (as Eli-Anne Linnestad)
Cecilie A. Mosli	...	Cecilie Kornes (as Cecilie Mosli)
Joachim Rafaelsen	...	Haakon Willum
Per Gørvell	...	Eriksen (as Per Gørvel)
Knud Dahl	...	Waiter at bar
Knut Haugmark	...	Porter

Storyline

When his mother, who has sheltered him his entire 40 years, dies, Elling, a sensitive, would-be poet, is sent to live in a state institution. There he meets Kjell Bjarne, a gentle giant and female-obsessed virgin in his 40s. After two years, the men are released and provided with a state-funded apartment and stipend with the hope they will be able to live on their own. Initially, the simple act of going around the corner for groceries is a challenge. Through a friendship born of desperate dependence, the skittish Elling and the boisterous, would-be lover of women, Kjell Bjarne, discover they can not only survive on the outside, they can thrive. But as their courage grows, the two find oddball ways to cope with society, striking up the most peculiar friendships in the most unlikely places.

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Plot Keywords:

friendship | poet | virgin | anonymity | hiding in a closet | 

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Taglines:

They're packed and ready for the greatest adventure of their lives. All they have to do is get out of the house.

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for language and some sexual content

Details

Official Sites:

Arsenal Filmverleih (German distibutor) elling.nu

Country:

Norway

Language:

Norwegian

Release Date:

16 March 2001 (Norway)

Also Known As:

Me, My Friend and I

Filming Locations:

Oslo, Norway

Box Office

Budget:

NOK 15,500,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

$9,606 (USA) (31 May 2002)

Gross:

$313,436 (USA) (4 October 2002)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Maipo Film

Technical Specs

Runtime:

89 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby SR

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Sven Nordin who played one of the leading roles in this movie gained 25 pounds to fit the character he was playing.

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Quotes

[Ticket ordering continued]
Train ticket salesman: That'll be 130 kroner per ticket.
Elling: 130 kroner? The last time mother and I took the train to Larvik the ticket cost 25.
Train ticket salesman: That must have been about 30 years ago.
Elling: Yes

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Connections

Referenced in The Holiday (2006)

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Soundtracks

"Suite nr.2"
Vilde Frang Bjærke, violin and Pål Størset, piano
(T. Groven Holmboe)
(c) 2000 Tove Groven Holmboe

User Reviews

Hold on to your dream

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.