| Original Score: 3/5 | Jul 23, 2003

| Original Score: 4/5 | Apr 21, 2003

It's affectionate and optimistic without being fuzzy.

| Original Score: B+ | Dec 5, 2002

A charming but slight comedy.

| Sep 13, 2002

Elling, portrayed with quiet fastidiousness by Per Christian Ellefsen, is a truly singular character, one whose frailties are only slightly magnified versions of the ones that vex nearly everyone.

| Sep 13, 2002

Touches smartly and wistfully on a number of themes, not least the notion that the marginal members of society ... might benefit from a helping hand and a friendly kick in the pants.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Sep 13, 2002

It is refreshingly undogmatic about its characters.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Sep 13, 2002

A witty and sophisticated sensibility brings individuality to the classic odd-couple comedy.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | Sep 5, 2002

Rather than real figures, Elling and Kjell Bjarne become symbolic characters whose actions are supposed to relate something about the naf's encounter with the world.

| Original Score: 2.5/5 | Sep 1, 2002

A film of charm, freshness and bracingly generous humanity.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/4 | Aug 23, 2002

It's thoroughly entertaining and nonpatronizing, and occasionally even insightful.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Aug 23, 2002

A plucky parable about mastering one's fears, and making connections.

Full Review | Original Score: 3.5/4 | Jul 11, 2002

Blessed with two fine, nuanced lead performances.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Jun 28, 2002

Calls to mind the great screen pairings of dysfunctional buddy pictures of the past.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/4 | Jun 27, 2002

Charms because of its natural, non-magical attitude toward humanity.

| Original Score: B+ | Jun 13, 2002

A singularly affecting and amusing fable.

| Jun 6, 2002

Ellefsen and Nordin originated their roles on an Oslo stage, resulting in two lived-in character portrayals which lend this offbeat comedy a sweet sincerity.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/4 | May 29, 2002

Believes so fervently in humanity that it feels almost anachronistic, and it is too cute by half. But arriving at a particularly dark moment in history, it offers flickering reminders of the ties that bind us.

Full Review | Original Score: 3.5/5 | May 29, 2002

That neither protagonist has a distinguishable condition hardly matters because both are just actory concoctions, defined by childlike dimness and a handful of quirks.

Full Review | May 28, 2002