Da jeg traff Jesus... med sprettert (2000)

	Directed by: Stein Leikanger	COUNTRY Norway GENRE Drama/Comedy/ Biography INTERNATIONAL TITLE Odd Little Man When I Got Jesus... with a Slingshot RUNNING TIME 88 minutes
	Produced by: Thomas Backström Petter J. Borgli
	Written by (from the book Min barndoms verden by Odd Børretzen): Stein Leikanger

Cast includes:
CHARACTER	ACTOR/ACTRESS	RATING
Oddemann	Fredrik Stenberg Ditlev-Simonsen	½
Bror	Martin Eidissen	½
Kristian	Frederick Paasche
Mor	Gjertrud L. Jynge
Fru Hansen	Grethe Bøe
Far	Gard B. Eidsvold
Karl Hansen	Otto Jespersen	½
-	Bjørn Jenseg
Forteller	Odd Børretzen

Review

Stein Leikanger’s adaptation of Odd Børretzen's childhood memoirs Min barndoms verden is a good-humoured, beautifully photographed and at times poignant portrayal of the life of a middle-class youngster in the outskirts of Oslo during the 1930s. The form and narrative structure are as unambitious as they are comfortable, with the grown version of our protagonist Oddemann acting as a gullible and lightly philosophical observer of his childhood – taking us through episodes (often anecdotal) of family life, brotherhood and the distinction between the children’s world and the grown-up world. Religion, hero worship, sexual oppression, and individuality are recurring themes that are scrutinised – but never ridiculed – and the film retains a dignity and elegance throughout its running time. There are fine performances from the children and, notably, from Gard B. Eidsvold and Gjertrud L. Jynge as Oddemann’s parents.

Copyright © 06.04.2010 Fredrik Gunerius Fevang

[BACK TO INDEX]

[HAVE YOUR SAY]