Trolljegeren (2010) Reviews

• A ten of ten, but maybe not for foreigners?

  knutsindre2010-10-31

  This movie deserves allot of praise, simply for how well it plays on the Norwegian cultural memes. Visually it is also quite good, as it show of the landscapes and places in which the folklore of trolls actually arose, and of course spices it with lovely computer graphics when needed. The graphics merge very well with the mockumentary style, and the movie itself falls between categories, mixing comedy, action and fake amateur documentary style. The bad sides are simply that it lacks a bit of flow at times, and of course, the biggest drawback of them all, one which only applies for foreigners: it's a very very Norwegian story. I saw it with my Portuguese girlfriend, and she thought it was okay. I briefed her on our fairy tales before seeing it, but jokes like the three sheep on the bridge are hard to catch, or appreciate, without being marinated in our culture for a long time. One other issue for me was actually the cameo appearance of two Norwegian comedians, something which slightly spoils the illusion. Others might disagree. I suspect this movie would be a seven or six of ten if I was not Norwegian, simply for its concepts, but because it is so rich to me, I give it a ten despite its flaws. You'll love this movie for its visual side, and some of the drama is also great. For Norwegians, this is a must see. For everyone else, it might be exotic and neat, and offer you some relief from classical Hollywood monster depictions. And should you get curious after seeing it, Google for "Theodor Kittelsen", and "Asbjornsen and Moe" (: Enjoy!

  More

• Incredibly fun

  carywms2011-01-24

  I saw this at Sundance last Friday and have to say it is the most fun I have had at the movies in a long while. The story is filmed in "mockumentary" style a la Cloverfield and has a healthy dose of dry Scandanavian humor to accent the dramatic and action sequences. While the story is relatively tight, it does not have the pretense as Sundance entries often do, as it never takes itself too seriously. We ran into a couple of the film's producers the next day in Park City and found them to be as grounded as the film they were behind. I highly recommend this film and seriously hope it sees the light of day in the U.S.

  More

• A stunning Norwegian masterpiece.

  UnholyOne2011-02-08

  I've been looking forward to this ever since I first heard about it, it sounded fantastic. A group of three university students are making a documentary about a series of mysterious bear killings, but soon discover that it isn't bears doing the killings but trolls, actual real Norwegian trolls.They start to follow a mysterious hunter, who they soon learn is a government paid troll hunter. It is very well made with excellent effects considering the budget. The trolls are brilliantly designed and very diverse, with a traditional 'fairy tale' look and the film delves deep into the whole troll mythology. The cave scene was very well done too and unbelievably tense and the climax is well worth waiting for. I honestly can't remember the last time I enjoyed a film as much as this, it really is that good, with some very good performances and stunning Norwegian scenery. I absolutely loved it, although it won't be to everyones taste. I am sorely tempted to give it 10/10 for pure entertainment value. In one word, amazing.

  More

• One of the best and most original movies I've seen recently

  Sanyi19842011-02-17

  This movie was a huge surprise for me. I did not expect much, but it is one of the best movies of the year for me. I have to admit that I am getting pretty sick of the "usual" movies. Recently I noticed that after watching thirty minutes in every movie (good or bad) I got bored. The reason is that I see always the same plot lines, the same faces, the same twists, and I really don't care about them any more. If a movie does not have this effect on me, its a sign that it is a special one. And this was the case of The Troll Hunter. The Troll Hunter is a really simple story, its about a guy who hunts trolls in Norway, and about a group of students, who are filming him. This is where it gets interesting, the movie is shot in the style of Blair Witch, Cloverfield, Rec, Paranormal Activity, etc. The handy-cam thing is one those things that makes the movie different. The second thing that got me in this movie was the quite unique Norwegian humor. I have not ran into it before, but there are several moments that are really funny. Well its not hard to make funny moments, when you make a movie about trolls that pretends to be serious. The third thing that was really good in this movie is the beautiful Norwegian nature, there are many breath taking landscapes that I really want to see some day. The last (there are many other) thing that I liked in this movie was the old bearded guy, the troll hunter. He was really cool. I mean he is hunting trolls all his life. OK, so thats it, go see this movie, if you are bored with the usual ones.

  More

• Mockumentary, folks ...

  mobius-212011-09-03

  People complaining this isn't a horror film must not understand the mockumentary genre. It's a lovely little film, rich with detail, not to mention the awesome Norwegian landscape. I understand that if one is Norwegian, there cues to culture and mythology throughout. But without getting any of that, really, I'm satisfied. Any film that ends with me smiling, I consider a good film. To my mind, the trolls are just right. A little scary, little funny. I gather if you are Norwegian, you are already familiar with the troll Hunter himself, Otto Jespersen. I had no clue he was Norway's most famous comedian, so the was no disbelief to suspend. He did an excellent job. The kids were fine. Basically I have no complaints at all and enjoyed the film very much ...

  More