Review of Mongoland

Mongoland (2001)
8/10
Actually, a quite entertaining comedy from south west Norway:
15 April 2003
Filmed in the Norwegian oil capital of Stavanger, this movie became a big hit in Norway in very short time after theatrical release. Obviously, this is because the film struck a chord with the Norwegian audience. Judging by it's Imdb rating at the time of writing (7.3), the registered users who rated it at the herewith site also mostly enjoyed it.

Now, I never saw it in theatrical release, but borrowed a copy on VHS. I saw no antagonist in the movie. There was a protagonist though, and she was one of several cute girls in the movie - for what it's worth.

I was somewhat disappointed the first half hour or so, but then the film really picked up. (There is also a quite amusing scene in the first half hour, in a bar, which I also think will appeal to many film buffs. Watch it, and you'll know what I mean.. ). I do believe that having some knowledge of and experience with youth culture in south west coast Norway helps in getting all the comedic points and a good feel for the general ambience of the film. It wasn't only a hit in western Norway though, so surely there are more than just a few universal puns in there.

It's a movie about being young and not really having too much of a clue in life, whilst at the same time providing more serious pointers about relationships between people in general and between lovers, either new or established ones as such, more especially. But first and foremost it is a whacky feel-good comedy with a lot of slap stick humour, a touch of crazy comedy and some poignant dialogue. Bare with it for the first half hour, and there's a good chance you'll catch an infatuation with it too ! :)
5 out of 6 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink

Recently Viewed