Trollhunter (2010)

A group of students investigates a series of mysterious bear killings, but learns that there are much more dangerous things going on. They start to follow a mysterious hunter, learning that he is actually a troll hunter.

Director:

André Øvredal

Writer:

André Øvredal

Stars:

Otto Jespersen, Robert Stoltenberg, Knut Nærum

12 wins & 13 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Otto Jespersen	...	Hans, trolljegeren
Glenn Erland Tosterud	...	Thomas
Johanna Mørck	...	Johanna
Tomas Alf Larsen	...	Kalle
Urmila Berg-Domaas	...	Malica
Hans Morten Hansen	...	Finn Haugen
Robert Stoltenberg	...	Polsk bjørnejeger
Knut Nærum	...	E-verkssjef
Eirik Bech	...	Campingplasseier
Inge Erik Henjesand
TomTom Jorgensen	...	Polsk bjørnejeger (as Tom Jørgensen)
Benedicte Aubert Ringnes
Magne Skjævesland
Torunn Lødemel Stokkeland	...	Hilde, veterinär
Finn Norvald Øvredal

Storyline

When bears are found dead in Norway, students from Volda University (Thomas, Johanna and cameraman Kalle) decide to investigate. They stalk the trail of the mysterious hunter Hans, expecting to find an explanation for the killings. The reluctant Hans tries to flee from the youngsters but then agrees to let them film him in action, provided they follow his orders. Soon the trio of students learns that Hans is actually a troll hunter working for a secret government agency. Further, several dangerous trolls have escaped from their territory and Hans is assigned to eliminate them.

---

Plot Keywords:

troll | secret government agency | found footage | secret government organization | cave | 

---

Taglines:

You'll believe it when you see it!

---

Genres:

Drama | Fantasy | Horror | Sci-Fi | Thriller

---

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for some sequences of creature terror

Did You Know?

Trivia

Trollhunter contains many references to Norwegian culture and Norwegian folktales e.g. the belief that there are different species of trolls, trolls having a tail, multiple heads, the ability to smell a Christian's blood, trolls eating rocks, but loving meat and sometimes being man-eaters. The trolls are also described as big, old, strong, but slow and dim-witted, turning to stone when exposed to sunlight. The film also has several specific references to some traditional fairy tales e.g. Boots Who Ate a Match With the Troll, Three Billy Goats Gruff, Soria Moria Castle.

---

Goofs

Title cards at the beginning say the hard disk with the footage was received on October 13, 2008. The TST form that Hans fills in the diner was dated October 9, 2009.

---

Quotes

Thomas: We are in troll territory now. You don't seem to like entering these territories. Is there some particular reason?
Hans, trolljegeren: There was a mountain troll territory up in Strynefjell. Back in the 70's they decided to build tunnels through that troll-rich area. Both the TSS and I tried to object, but to no avail. I was given the task of going in and exterminating all the trolls. Every last one. Pregnant females. Kids. Newborns that hadn't even learned to walk. It was a massacre.

---

Crazy Credits

At the end of the final credits, there is a notice in English, claiming that "No trolls were harmed during the making of this movie".

---

Connections

Featured in WatchMojo: Top 10 Underrated Giant Monster Movies (2018)

---

Soundtracks

Wild Bird
Performed by Bigbang (as Big Bang)
Music & Lyrics by Øystein Greni
Copyright Controlled
(P)2000 Warner Music Norway

User Reviews

Need to get me some troll stink.

Recently our Viking brethren from the Icey North have dipped their manly toes in the creative waters of film-making. That's not to say they haven't before, but I would say films about an evil Santa Claus, Nazi Zombies and now, Troll Hunters are probably not Norway and Finland's go-to themes. I could be wrong, and I hope I'm wrong, but I don't think I am.

Nevertheless with that, what we have here with The Troll Hunter is a story that starts with a trio of young college documentarians trying figure out why there are so many bear disappearances happening. Through Carmen Sandiego-like sleuth-work they come upon a Troll Hunter - and then, the...hunt...is...on! Trolls are loose and it's now up to them to put an end to their trolly shenanigans! The film goes down the right paths, and follows a rather formulaic story-line, but with such a unique story leading the way, you're more than happy to take the voyage through troll territory.

The biggest and most satisfying aspect of this film, for myself, was that the film didn't shy away from any one area. A recent Scandanavian film that I won't name *fart*rareexports*fart* - excuse me. That film brought you along and hoped to entice the viewer with emotion, an early surprise, and then male nudity - it didn't work, and I was left stunned by the lackluster 'Fin'ished product. Here, they talk about trolls, and go off to hunt trolls, so you'd think there would be trolls. And yep, there are! And not only that, they informed the viewer quite well about troll history and the different types. It was the type of love you hoped would be present here, and I can't help to feel thankful for such research and creative thinking.

Overall, the actors and writing delivered a fine job as they juggled tongue-in-cheek overacting with some scenes of serious drama. Basically every area of the film delivered to how you would want, and I was totally content with how the fx and trolls all looked. It's one of the best found footage films around, and if you enjoy fantasy in the slightest, you should give this a look.

My only real complaint here is how they could have neglected to put in the only troll that is still regularly found in modern days. I kept on asking myself, 'Where the hell is the IMDb troll?' The stinkiest, most pathetic troll to have ever lived is not put into the film? I suppose watching a troll whine to his or her mother about picking up the new and improved Oxy 5 zit medication or a bulk supply of super strength maxipads isn't really must-see TV. It would have been nice to get a view into what their lairs must look like, but I guess, it would have taken away from the adventure aesthetic of this film. I suppose then it's up to me and you to stop the IMDb trolls. First things first, if you see a hungry one, restrain from feeding it. After you do that, leave it to me. *pulls on troll disemboweling gloves*

Details

Official Sites:

Official Facebook (Norwegian) Official Facebook (UK)

Country:

Norway

Language:

Norwegian English

Release Date:

29 October 2010 (Norway)

Also Known As:

Trollhunter

Filming Locations:

Luster, Sogn og Fjordane, Norway

Box Office

Budget:

NOK19,900,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$5,585, 12 June 2011

Gross USA:

$253,444

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$5,341,098

Company Credits

Production Co:

Filmkameratene A/S, Film Fund FUZZ, SF Norge A/S

Technical Specs

Runtime:

103 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1