Upperdog (2009)

Cast includes:
CHARACTER	ACTOR/ACTRESS	RATING
Axel	Hermann Sabado
Maria	Agnieszka Grochowska
Per	Mads Sjøgård Pettersen	½
Yanne	Bang Chau
Fredrik, Axels far	Ole Paus	½
Reporter	Yngvild Støen Grotmol
Else Beate	Kjersti Holmen	½
Karsten	Magnus Bjørnstad	½

Review

Smug and quite authentic quiltwork drama discussing different varieties of dysfunctionality and alienation in a Norwegian society the filmmaker claims to have been de-emotionalised. Writer/director Sara Johnsen (Vinterkyss) demonstrates both an understanding of and an ability to convey interesting and idiosyncratic interpersonal relationships, and she also proves that she can write clever intrigues and romance which alternate rather pleasantly between classicism and pulp. The common denominator for Upperdog is that it is thoroughly interesting, and often very funny - despite touching the melodramatic towards the end, when every character opens up and cries their despair. Tidy and neat, Johnsen might have thought, but she does cheat our patience a little. Fine performances from several actors enhance this apt piece, particularly from the very talented youngster Magnus Bjørnstad as Per's little brother. He steals every scene he's in through a curious, otherworldly look on life.