Movieo
Poster for Elling

Elling

They're packed and ready for the greatest adventure of their lives. All they have to do is get out of the house.

2001 · 1h 29m · R Comedy, Drama
Directed by Petter Næss

Seen it?

Overview

When his mother, who has sheltered him his entire 40 years, dies, Elling, a sensitive, would-be poet, is sent to live in a state institution. There he meets Kjell Bjarne, a gentle giant and female-obsessed virgin in his 40s. After two years, the men are released and provided with a state-funded apartment and stipend with the hope they will be able to live on their own.

Director and cast

Critics on Rotten Tomatoes

Top critics, in their words

All reviews
85%
Tomatometer
Fresh

It's affectionate and optimistic without being fuzzy.

Philip Wuntch, Dallas Morning News
Fresh

A charming but slight comedy.

Michael O'Sullivan, Washington Post
Fresh

Elling, portrayed with quiet fastidiousness by Per Christian Ellefsen, is a truly singular character, one whose frailties are only slightly magnified versions of the ones that vex nearly everyone.

Ann Hornaday, Washington Post
Fresh

Touches smartly and wistfully on a number of themes, not least the notion that the marginal members of society ... might benefit from a helping hand and a friendly kick in the pants.

Ty Burr, Boston Globe
Fresh

It is refreshingly undogmatic about its characters.

Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

Comments

Talk about the film with other members

More films