UNDERDOG

UNDERDOG

Dino (Bianca Kronlof) is a 23-year-old lady who crosses the border to Oslo, the capital of Norway, in order to escape the unemployment and insecurity which Sweden offers. Financial problems arise as she parties hard and has few work offers.

She accepts work as a housekeeper for Steffen (Henrik Rafaelsen) a retired sportsman, now restaurateur and happily married with two children. A love triangle develops, and Dino finds herself struggling for the affection of a man she knows she can never have, and the desperate need to belong.

Hidden underneath this simplistic story of forbidden love is the roaring theme of class division, as Dino quickly learns she is regarded disparagingly in Norway. Power struggles between the two countries are noted, in which Swedes have topically become the servants of Norwegians.

Kronlof gives a hard-hitting and raw performance in this sexually explicit film which contains full frontal nudity, but sadly lacks chemistry with Rafaelsen.

This powerful, award-winning drama contains stunning photography of picturesque Norway and a mesmerizing musical score, but may evoke restlessness in audiences owing to the excruciatingly slow momentum of the story.

Enthusiasts of romance films should be satisfied with the welcoming and unpredictable conclusion. (MMo)

***

July 8-26, Screening at Palace Norton Street & Palace Verona as part of the Scandinavian Film Festival, $19.50, Tickets & Info: scandinavianfilmfestival.com

 

 

 

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