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

Followed by Love Me Tomorrow (2005)

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Soundtracks

"Our Time"
The Real Thing
(P. Wagnberg)
(c) 1997 Real Records

User Reviews

This is one of the most delightful films I've seen!

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.