In the wake of the Norwegian film tradition of the 1980s and 1990s, with its stilted dialogues and often unnatural interpersonal relations, comes this offbeat coming-of-age film written by Klaus Hagerup and directed by Berit Nesheim (later of Søndagsengler, which was nominated for an Academy Award in 1997). The basic premise is a good way to start: A grumpy, rebellious 12-year-old (Inger Lise Winjevoll), feeling alienated from both her family and her classmates, finds herself intrigued by an eccentric and volatile retired teacher (Harriet Andersson), and the two develop an unorthodox friendship. The interplay between Winjevoll and Andersson has an edge to it which makes the first half of the film both intriguing and at times very funny. They are both perfectly cast, and despite some contrived emotional outbursts which are clearly added to create drama, their relationship has integrity. Unfortunately, the script's turning-point and ending is hopelessly written and so full of clichés and improbabilities that it almost negates everything the film has achieved up until then. The final twenty minutes or so are almost unwatchable. Henrik Scheele is superbly funny as the father.

Norwegian cinema is noted for its naturalistic storytelling, rugged landscapes, and introspection. It often explores themes of isolation, existential crisis, and human connection in a quietly intense minimalist style.

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The drama genre is a broad category that features stories portraying human experiences, emotions, conflicts, and relationships in a realistic and emotionally impactful way. Dramas delve into the complexities of human life, often exploring themes of love, loss, morality, societal issues, personal growth, with the aim to evoke an emotional response from the audience by presenting relatable and thought-provoking stories.

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The family genre features stories specifically created to be suitable for a wide range of age groups within a family. Family-oriented content is designed to be enjoyed by both children and adults, often providing entertainment that is wholesome, relatable, and appropriate for all members of a family to watch or experience together.

Drew Barrymore and Pat Welsh in E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)

Based upon the novel by Klaus Hagerup, we follow the grumpy 12 year old Mari, without any friends, not at all content with her body or her family. Interesingly enough, quite like her grumpy teacher, actually.

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