Sønner (2006)

	Directed by: Erik Richter Strand	COUNTRY Norway GENRE Drama INTERNATIONAL TITLE Sons RUNNING TIME 99 minutes
	Produced by: Eric Vogel
	Written by: Thomas Torjussen Erik Richter Strand

Cast includes:
CHARACTER	ACTOR/ACTRESS	RATING
Lars	Nils Jørgen Kaalstad	½
Tim	Mikkel Bratt Silset	½
Jørgen	Edward Schultheiss
Hans	Henrik Mestad
Norunn	Ingrid Bolsø Bærdal
Joakim	Joachim Rafaelsen	½
Anja	Marika Engstad
Moren	Anna Bache-Wiig

Review

Dealing with the most sombre and delicate issues requires exceptional insight, vision and balance from filmmakers. This decade, paedophilia has been frequently portrayed on film, but unfortunately not as frequently truly discussed. American films such as The Woodsman and Hard Candy have shown either a biased approach or a lack of balance in their approaches. This is where Erik Richter Strand's feature film debut, Sønner, differs and, ultimately, stands out.

The strength of Sønner is basically threefold. Firstly, it's a remarkably well-written, tightly directed and superbly acted human drama. Thanks to the broad thematic and narrative ground it covers, the film is able to explore a number of angles through different characters. And the way Richter Strand conveys these different angles is at times masterful. Secondly, the film has drive, edge and suspense. It's constantly engaging, borrowing storytelling devices from the thriller genre without letting this compromise the film's thematic objective. Finally, and most importantly, the film is executed with impressive insight into the human condition and with a multilateral agenda. It's intellectually stimulating to finally see a film dealing with an issue as controversial as this and not ending up feeling like you've seen Leni Riefenstahl-inspired propaganda as the end credits roll.

Screenwriter Thomas Torjussen won awards for his story even before the film had gone into production. In the end, his script is the film's greatest asset. Director Richter Strand is his long-time collaborator (both educated at the Norwegian Film School in Lillehammer). It's a shame that Sønner wasn't elected as Norway's contribution to this year's Academy Awards. It might even have gained notice for its acting. Nils Jørgen Kaalstad displays remarkable potency in the lead, and young Mikkel Bratt Silset's performance is full of courage and empathy. Still, it is Henrik Mestad who goes furthest with his portrayal of Hans. His performance is drenched in the complexity and history of his character. Compare Mestad's work here with Jackie Earle Haley's Oscar-nominated performance in Little Children and I think you'll come to the same conclusion as I did.

At the very end, director Richter Strand rounds off his film with impressive flair, as he uses a façade shot of a building to convey the delicate final events. It's a touch worthy of a great director. And based on this film, Richter Strand might just be one in the making.