HANCOCK – The Finlandia University Nordic Film Series continues Thursday, April 10, with the Norwegian film, “Elling.” Showings will begin at 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.
Released in 2002, Elling is a humorous and warm story about venturing into life. Funny without being insensitive and moving without being sentimental, the film is a celebration of an enduring, oddball friendship.
After two-years at a psychiatric hospital, Elling and his somewhat denser roommate, Kjell Bjarne, return to the so-called real world. The mismatched pair is given an apartment in Oslo in an attempt to get them to behave like responsible citizens.
For someone who finds crossing a restaurant floor comparable to a South Pole expedition, and for whom going round the corner for groceries holds untold terrors, Elling’s new life involves a number of challenges that need surmounting.
As Elling’s and Kjell Bjarne’s confidence grows, they find unusual ways to cope with society and strike up the most peculiar friendships in the most unlikely places. When Kjell Bjarne meets a woman, and Norwegian contemporary poetry makes Elling vomit, the frightened men are forced to give it all they’ve got – and then some.
“Elling” has won multiple international film awards. It was a 2002 Academy Award nominee for Best Foreign Film.
The film is in Norwegian with English subtitles. The film is unrated. If you have questions about its content, please call.
The Finnish American Heritage Center is at 435 Quincy Street, Hancock. For additional information, call 906-487-7302.
