Movie spotlight
Hawaii, Oslo
Hawaii, Oslo is the story of a handful of people who cross each other's path without necessarily knowing each other, during the hottest day of the year, in Oslo. We follow Frode and Milla. They are having their first child, who they are told will not live long. We follow Bobbie-Pop, a faded singer who tries to commit suicide. We follow Leon, an institutionalized kleptomaniac who is loking for Åsa, to whom he has a ten year old deal to get married. We meet Leon's brother, Trygve, who fetches Leon at the institution to celebrate his birthday, but who himself has plans to use his leave from prison to run away. And most of all we meet the angel Vidar, Leon's best buddy at the institution, who sees things no one else can see, and who may be able to save everyone - except himself?
Insights
Plot Summary
On Christmas Eve in Oslo, a group of disparate individuals find their lives intersecting in unexpected ways. A retired opera singer, a troubled young man, and a police officer are among those whose stories unfold against the backdrop of the festive city. Their individual struggles with love, loss, and redemption culminate in a series of poignant and interconnected events.
Critical Reception
Hawaii, Oslo received positive reviews from critics, who praised its emotional depth, strong performances, and intimate portrayal of human connection. The film was commended for its nuanced storytelling and its ability to capture the complexities of everyday life.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its tender and humanistic approach to storytelling.
The ensemble cast delivers compelling and authentic performances.
Effectively captures the melancholic beauty of ordinary lives intersecting.
Google audience: Audience reception information from Google is not readily available for this film.
Awards & Accolades
Awarded the Golden Screen at the Norwegian Film Festival in 2004.
Fun Fact
Director Erik Poppe initially worked as a cinematographer before directing his own films, and he also trained as a chef.
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