Flukt (Norwegian Film)

flukt-escape-norwegian-film

English Title: Escape
Release Date: September 28, 2012
Director: Roar Uthaug
Screenplay by: Thomas Moldestad
Cast: Isabel Christine Andreasen, Ingrid Bolsø Berdal, Milla Olin

I am in no way well versed enough in Norwegian films, as I’ve only seen but a handful of them, but an action film starring a little girl is just something I can’t pass up.

Ten years after the plague swept the land, a sole family is on its way when a group of bandits attack them, killing them all but their young daughter, Signe (Andreasen). Taken to their place of rest, the leader of the group Dagmar (Berdal) informs Signe of the terrible fate that awaits her, but she’s not counting with the assistance given by little Frigg (Olin) who will aide Signe in her escape.

The introduction to Norway’s Flukt is an intense one, that with the aid of some slo-mo sequences delivers emotionally as we witness the death of each one of Signe’s relatives. It doesn’t get better for her as Dagmar’s message hits you like a bucket of cold water, and Ingrid Bolso Berdal is downright badass frightening as the eyebrow-less rogue that’s even feared by her humongous lackeys. The desolated locations aided by the cold cinematography just aids to that feeling of despair of this fast-paced action drama, which brought memories of Hanna into my subconscious. However, besides having a little girl as a protagonist, they have little in common.

Plot-wise, similar issues arise with the suspense of disbelief as we’re to belief that Signe could take on Dagmar’s lackeys who tower over her. But I was game for it, it did deter my enjoyment of the film as there wasn’t any long period of time to improve survival skills, and we were given scenes where Signe got away by mere chance. Though the script lacked coherence and supporting characters weren’t fleshed out (I really can’t name any of the guys), I did think that Dagmar had a decent build-up, even if she was the antagonist of the film. Andreasen and Olin played it well with what they were given, even if some of the actions their characters did during their escape makes you wonder about the reason of their choices — maybe it was a smart decision to look for shelter in Norway? Maybe it is feasible that two girls would think hiding in the only cabin in all the mountain would be a good idea. I’m not a girl in the 1300s Norway.

Flukt is… a little bit violent, there’s blood, and it could be quite scary for little kids but a PG-13 rating would suffice. Plus, the reason Signe was kidnapped might arise some questions. The action isn’t ground-breaking — so action-buffs might want to stay clear — but it’s competent without any glorification of it. If you’re gonna watch it, do it for Berdal.

That’s my DVD/Poster blurb right there: “Ingrid Bolso Berdal is downright badass frightening as the eyebrow-less rogue that’s even feared by her humongous lackeys. If you’re gonna watch it, do it for her.” Please, someone take note of it.

Rating: ★★★¼☆ 

amy

YAM Magazine editor, photographer, blogger, translator and part-time web designer. Film junkie, music junkie… and lately series (a.k.a. TV) junkie.

5 Responses

  1. aw man, I am such an Ingrid Bolso Berdal fan from Fritt Vilt (Cold Prey) and her two minutes as Angua in one of the Discworld movie.

    • amy says:

      @Diandra Rodriguez, I’m gonna go and try get Fritt Vilt then x) She’s so freaking badass here. Like wohhh-inducing here.

      • @amy, Fritt Vilt is pretty much a straightforward slasher film, but surprisingly well-done for sticking to formula. Also, Ingrid ends up pretty amazing there and I actually want to see the sequel sometime just for her.

  1. July 5, 2013

    […] I’m not even typing it. But damn, I was impressed with Ingrid Bolso Berdal while watching Flukt. She really made the film for me. You remember how many chills I got from Charlize Theron in […]

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