Ungen (1938)

Cast includes:
CHARACTER	ACTOR/ACTRESS	RATING
Milja	Eva Sletto	½
Julius	Harald Heide Steen	½
Hønse-Lovisa	Ragnhild Hard	½
Petrina	Tove Bryn
Krestena	Astrid Sommer	½
Doktoren	Hans Bille

Review

Oskar Braaten's stern but warm and layered depiction of the situation of factory workers in early industrialized east-end Oslo at the turn of the century is the foundation for this honest rendition by director Rasmus Breistein. What starts off somewhat staged and theatrical eventually turns out to have quite a lot to offer in terms of social and environmental discussions. The year of production taken into account, the film is surprisingly unbiased and tactful. It is a film that feels as if it is made from the inside, thus avoiding being caught adjudicating from an untouchable distance. If there's a distinct weakness in Ungen, it is that the film leaves a bit to be desired when it comes to the visual and spatial depiction of Oslo. The photography by Gunnar Nilssen-Vig is arguably the weakest link. The acting, on the other hand, is thoroughly fine, with Sletto and Heide Steen looking fabulous in the leads.