Movie: Originally released in Norway as Ti Kniver i Hjertet, this movie details a summer in the life of a socially inept young boy who struggles with all the drama that comes from being a poor kid in a small village. I bought it when I read that it won a bunch of film festival awards and it was "in the tradition of My Life As A Dog". Personally, I didn't think of it as anything close to that film although it's easy to see the director's infatuation with it's style. Anyway, the boy, Otto, meets a self assured punk, Frank, who teaches him a bit about life. The movie centered around the consequences of a bad decision made by Otto (after being pressured by Frank) who ultimately questions what would've happened if he had just said no. I don't want to reveal any spoilers here as the movie was very enjoyable and worth checking out but if you're a foreign film fan who doesn't mind a quirky movie with lots to laugh at, you'll want to see this one.
Picture: The picture was presented in 1.66:1 widescreen color. The colors were somewhat muted but that was fitting for the situation of the movie and bright/happy colors wouldn't have seemed right. For the most part, the picture wasn't bad considering it was a first time film, made in Norway, by a student.
Sound: The sound was 2.0 in Norwegian with fixed subtitles. It was clear enough but the volume on the vocals was set a bit too low. Turning up the volume made the other sounds a bit too high but it wasn't so bad that I'd suggest it more than a nuisance (and even then, only once in awhile).
Extras: There were 10 chapter stops and a double sided dvd cover.
Final Thoughts: I thought the movie was fun to watch and had some real replay value although I'd be lying if I suggested that the director (who also co-wrote the screenplay) didn't miss some real opportunities at times. Each time I've watched it, I've walked away with a little more insight and it has always left me smiling. I wasn't familiar with any of the foreign cast members but each of them did a great job in their respective roles. If you're looking for another little gem from the folks at Vanguard, this was at least worth renting.
Buy: