Nattseilere (1986)

Cast includes:
CHARACTER	ACTOR/ACTRESS	RATING
Båremor/Maria	Vera Holte	½
Bårr (i bekkmørtna)	Helge Jordal	½
With	Per Oscarsson
Olai	Frode Rasmussen
Andreas	Katja Medbøe
Julius	Bjørn Sundquist
Sebulonsen, lensmann	Sigmund Sæverud	½
Den snille lensmannen	Odd Furøy
Alvhilde	Anne Marit Jacobsen
Læreren	Lars Andreas Larssen
Gilio	Nils Gaup	½

Review

This modern Norwegian film and tv classic (Nattseilere was released as a prolonged NRK TV-series two years after the cinematic release) gained rave reviews and a considerable following upon its release in 1986. The reason might be more the low general quality of Norwegian film at the time than the quality of this intriguing but plainly narrated movie. Tor M. Tørstad's direction is no masterpiece. The "action" sequences, such as the breakaway from the shack or the escape at sea, are not very skillfully handled, but what he handles well is the scenic and environmental portrayal of the characteristic Northern Norwegian areas and culture of the late 19th century. The mystery surrounding Maria's identity and the suspense related to her and Bårr's continuous escape gives the film an attractive drive, even if these elements could have been better utilized. The beautiful Vera Holte has a relaxed and natural presence in front of the camera, thus functioning as a necessary opposite to Helge Jordal's energetic and inspiring, but also excessive and theatrical performance. The film's best moment is a fine segment involving Jordal, Holte, the delightful Anne Marit Jacobsen and some very elegant costumes.