HAWAII, OSLO (2004) - ♦♦♦♦

Directed by - Erik Poppe

Written by - Harald Rosenlow-Eeg, Erik Poppe

Starring - Trond Espen Seim, Jan Gunnar Roise, Evy Kasseth Rosten

"MAGNOLIA and SHORT CUTS were among the films accredited for popularizing the sub genre of films about inter-connecting lives. Many similar films were produced since, but this Norwegian production is underrated for representing it in an exciting and gripping way. 

HAWAII, OSLO is the story of a group of people whose paths tragically cross without them necessarily knowing each other. The event that brings them together, as shown in the film's introduction, is a tragic accident. Then, director ERIK POPPE backtracks to the previous day and tells the story of the characters and whatever led them to their destinies to cross in such a dramatic way. 

The array of characters and different situations that they go through during the course of the day are individually compelling, some inevitably more than others. Taking centre stage is the story of an inmate in an asylum named Leon, who happens to be a kleptomaniac, waiting for his date with his childhood sweetheart Asa, but having to deal with his prison inmate brother's manipulative intentions of leading him to committing more crimes. Another narrative then follows the ordeal of two parents and their desperate need to get their sick child to the US for an expensive operation. And so on. 

The storyline remains quite focus, but there are occasional moments of sheer beauty that fill in the gaps with some poetic and beautiful images, particularly in its night sequences, for which cinematographer Lesner Ulf Brantas takes the credit. Some of HAWAII, OSLO's developments are predictable. But the film's driving legitimate sense of humanity makes the film feel fresh and invigorating, supported by some excellent performances by the cast."

Drama, Norway/Denmark/Sweden