En folkefiende

A great original play. Transformed into boring TV movie format. Ibsen's condensed script just won't translate into 90 minutes of silver screen (or more likely, your TV). Best actors available, fabulous scenery, one of Norway's best of new-breed directors can't rescue an awful idea: converting 1900-style theater into same-length feature film. A movie version of the stage play would have been better. This adaption just doesn't cut it. Main character's madness, the treason of the intellectuals, the resounding ambivalence of last paragraph - nothing is retained. What remains is a boring environmental issue story.

Kudos for trying to update the story, but really: does it have to be updated?

Forgettable. Too bad, since the play is one of the most painful and exciting stories ever to have been created.

This adaptation of the brilliant play has a great humour about itself. Thomas Stockmann has been the sleuth uncovering the dirt and skeletons of the big corporations, but as his TV show gets so popular and so much money is involved that he must compromise his independency; he decides to tap water from Bredal instead. When he finds out later that the water is poisonous he struggles hard against his family, the tappery and the town where it is based.

What takes a bit away from it is that it could tighter dramaturgically. Not much, but a little bit. Else the actors are fine, the setting in Sogn gorgeous and the directing good. The music by Jan Garbarek (which I usually don't feel too much for) fitted the movie very well. One other thing: why does so many people talk the siddis dialect, when it has nothing to do with the south-western are of Norway at all?? Annoying.

This is such a good movie. The pacing is pretty much the same in every part of the movie so it can get a little confusing.

I love how they disguised Henrik Ibsens original play as a modern day problem while still containing the core and roots of the original story.

They truly did one of the best writers in history justice with this movie.

It was truly a rollercoaster of emotions with its many characters, problems, twists, and i think it had a unique and sad ending.

The villain of the story was very well written in my opinion too, the main character whenever he gets the chance.

All of this leaves me to give the review of 9/10 stars.

Henrik Ibsen is one of the greatest writers ever, so the story should have great potential. When you combine a great story with the beautiful Norwegian scenery the result should be excellent.

But sadly, the poor directing and terrible acting overshadows it all. The thing that annoyed me the most, is the fact that the actors talk with dialect. This dialect does not fall natural for the actors. They pay way too much attention on talking correctly, therefore are they having big trouble expressing feelings.

Awful movie, end of story!

AR

I went to see this film as part of the Norwegian Film Festival in London, with the director on stage afterwards for a Question & Answer session. I really enjoyed the film - the lead character was very interesting, it has a well developed plot, and a few great supporting characters/actors.

The director's insight afterwards was illuminating - he revealed that the lead character was loosely based on Michael Moore. He also talked about his other films - he expressed pride in Prozac Nation, despite the lack of a widespread release, and he even said that he was reasonably happy with the Hollywood remake of Insomnia.

Definitely a thought provoking film that is worth seeing for its examination of those who don't go along with mainstream opinions, and flawed hero characters ... without a nicely tied up ending!