Film recommendations week 45
This week, we have three Norwegian treasures worth checking out.
Straff
Where: Trondheim Kino
A powerful documentary about reflection and self-examination at a silent retreat for inmates in a maximum-security prison.
Since 2013, Halden Prison has offered a Jesuit silent retreat to its inmates. Here, they live like monks in complete silence, withdrawing from the outside world. The only interruption is a daily conversation with the priest. This impactful documentary marks Øystein Mamen's directorial debut. Through an observational style and by following the conversations between the priest and the inmates, we get closer to their thoughts, their regrets, and their visions for the future.
Døden på Oslo S
Where: Cinemateket
Filla and Stein live at the boys' home "Hope" and often find themselves in trouble. When they encounter Pelle in the city, they steal his money. While Pelle and his friend Proffen search for the thieves, they meet Lena, and Pelle falls head over heels in love.
Cinemateket warmly welcomes you to a special screening on Sunday, November 10, of one of Norway's iconic 90s classics, Death at Oslo Central Station (Døden på Oslo S), followed by a book launch with film critic and author Einar Aarvig.
Death at Oslo Central Station is one of Norway's definitive film classics. It set box office records and sparked enthusiasm at a time when domestic productions struggled with poor reputations and low attendance. How did this happen, and why was a film adaptation of Ingvar Ambjørnsen's novel about Pelle & Proffen made? What does Eva Isaksen’s film reveal about Oslo in 1990? And what were the consequences of its success for the young actors?
Premiering in August 1990, Death at Oslo Central Station quickly became a major box office hit. It resonated deeply with young audiences, praised for its fresh cinematic style, strong character direction, and unflinching portrayal of Norwegian society's darker sides. The film has since been both parodied by Harald Eia and revisited with Nationaltheatret's acclaimed production at Økernsenteret. Now newly restored, it will be released on Blu-ray, accompanied by Aarvig's new book.
Min fantastiske fremmede
Where: Streaming
Ebba is a lonely 18-year-old Norwegian girl who dreams of love and wealth. One night, while working at the Oslo docks, she finds a beautiful, injured man. When she discovers he has amnesia, she lies to him, claiming that they are lovers. She brings him home and creates a world for him based on her lies. Soon, she begins uncovering things about his past that make her question everything.
