Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
During the early 20th century, the Impressionist Henri Matisse inspired several ardently
decorative Norwegian artists such as Axel Revold, Per Krohg, Alf Rolfsen and Henrik
Sørensen,knowncollectivelyasthe'frescobrothers'.Duringthepostwaryears,thebrood-
ing forests of Jakob Weidemann, the constructivist paintings of Gunnar S Gundersen, and
the literal (nonfigurative) sculptures of Arnold Haukeland and Åse Texmon Rygh domin-
ated the visual arts scene.
Of the crop of contemporary Norwegian artists, Olav Jensen, Anne Dolven, Ørnulf Op-
dahl, Bjørn Tufta, Håvard Vikhagen, Odd Nerdrum and Anders Kjær have all created a
minor stir with their return to abstract and expressionist forms. Their works often feature
harsh depictions of the Norwegian landscape. Norwegian sculptors who've distinguished
themselves include Bård Breivik, Per Inge Bjørlo and Per Barclay.
TOP NORWEGIAN FILMS
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Nine Lives
(1957; director Arne Skouen) Oscar-nominated tale of a soldier on
the stormy northern coast of Norway during the German occupation; has twice won
awards for best Norwegian film of all time.
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Pinchcliffe Grand Prix
(1975; director Ivo Caprino) Animated feature and still Nor-
way's biggest box-office success.
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Wives
(1985; director Anja Breien) One of the most-acclaimed Norwegian movies
of all time.
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The Pathfinder
(1987; director Nils Gaup) Based on a medieval legend and presen-
ted in the Sami language.
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Frida
(1991; director Berit Nesheim) A searing portrayal of adolescence.
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Cross My Heart and Hope to Die
(1994; director Marius Holst) A 1995 Berlin
Festival winner for its depiction of childhood conflicts in Oslo.
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Kristin Lavransdatter
(1995; director Liv Ullmann) Based on the novel by Sigrid
Undset and set in 14th-century Norway.
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The Bothersome Man
(2006; director Jens Lien) An absurdist fable set in a loveless
and claustrophobic IKEA-world.
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The Kautokeino Rebellion
(2008; director Nils Gaup) Recreates the 1852 Sami up-
rising in Kautokeino with a soundtrack dominated by Sami musician Mari Boine
Persen.
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Max Manus
(2009; directors Joachim Rønning and Espen Sandberg) Big-budget
movie that depicts the eponymous Norwegian Resistance fighter.
