The Ultimate Nordic Cinema Guide: 5 Best Scandinavian Movies to Watch This Weekend
From chilling noir to warm, (almost) cozy comedies.
Scandinavian cinema is not just about gritty, blood-curdling detective stories – it also has a remarkable ability to tell stories in which bleak landscapes reflect ardent human passions.
If you're tired of predictable Hollywood blockbusters and want to experience something deeper, this list is for you.
1. 'Autumn Sonata', 1978
IMDb Score: 8.1/10
World-renowned pianist Charlotte and her adult daughter, Eva, have not seen each other in seven years because they have been arguing. Eva decides to make the first move and invites her mother over.
Charlotte has no idea that an unpleasant surprise awaits her – Eva has taken her paralyzed younger sister out of a mental hospital where their mother had essentially abandoned her.
2. 'Europa', 1991
IMDb Score: 7.5/10
It's 1945, and young American Leopold Kessler arrives in postwar Germany to work as a train conductor. He believes the war is over, but he soon realizes he is mistaken.
Danish director Lars von Trier has built a reputation as a madman for making provocative, and even repulsive, movies. However, this prejudice is quickly dispelled upon watching Europa.
This subtle and intelligent film is stylized like old black-and-white cinema, but splashes of color appear throughout the narrative, which are crucial for understanding its meaning.
3. 'The Bothersome Man', 2006
IMDb Score: 7.2/10
Andreas finds himself in a perfect society – the people around him are emotionless, existing like robots rather than living.
Despairing over his inability to escape the city, Andreas attempts suicide, but he can't even manage to die. One day, he hears music coming from the basement of a building, which stirs up vague feelings within him.
Former musician Jens Lien has created a highly unusual movie. It attempts to answer the question of what happens when a person is placed in conditions of stability taken to the point of absurdity.
4. 'The Celebration', 1998
IMDb Score: 8.0/10
The Klingenfeldts are planning a celebration for the sixtieth birthday of their family patriarch, Helge, a wealthy steel industrialist. To mark the occasion, they are hosting a lavish party at their country estate.
Their eldest son and father's favorite, Christian, arrives from Paris. When asked to give a toast in Helge's honor, Christian suddenly makes a shocking confession.
It turns out that Helge repeatedly raped Christian and his twin sister, Linda, who committed suicide.
5. 'A Man Called Ove', 2015
IMDb Score: 7.7/10
Ove, an elderly widower, closes himself off from the world, venturing outside only to quarrel with passersby. However, when a Swedish-Iranian family moves in next door, his life changes dramatically.
Directed by Hannes Holm, the movie is based on Fredrik Backman's famous Swedish bestseller of the same name, which became a hit in its home country.
The movie touches on universal topics that resonate with audiences worldwide and the creators carefully balance comedy and drama, ensuring the film will make you both laugh and cry.
