the fresh films reviews

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Ungen (1938)

Director:
Rasmus Breistein 
COUNTRY
Norway
GENRE
Drama
INTERNATIONAL TITLE
-
RUNNING TIME
100 minutes
Screenwriter (from novel):
Oskar Braaten


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 for 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.

Copyright © 21.8.2007 Fredrik Gunerius Fevang

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