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Oslo, August 31st 2011

"Oslo, August 31st" is quietly, profoundly, one of the most observant and sympathetic films I've seen. Director Joachim Trier and actor Anders Danielsen Lie, working together for the second time, understand something fundamental about their character. He believes the ship has sailed without him. He screwed up. He lost years in addiction and recovery. Life has moved on. His old friends like Thomas have stayed on board the ship, and Anders feels adrift. Even the much-loved city that surrounds him is an affront, a reminder of the days not lived, the experiences missed. How can he begin again? Above all, Anders is angry with himself and in despair, although he's so inward as he tries to conceal that.

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This film is a perfect example of how a film can be made in such a minimalist way yet still have so much to say without saying it. The main character is nearing the end of a drug rehab stay and is trying to acclimate himself with society again. As he ventures out into the world for one day he sees that he does not seem to fit into it. While he is in despair there does seem to be a bit of hope in him as he has experiences as day turns into night and he has some positive experiences.

I thought the best scene of the film happens early on when he meets an old friend. While it seems so many of us wish we had it better than we do I can't really think of too many people that have it well. Even though the main character is starting his life over and has absolutely nothing he still wouldn't trade places with his friend. There is something profound in that.

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This film is a great example of how pain can be portrayed while still being able to show the humanity behind that emotion.
Hats off to Trier! This is top-notch directing.

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Joachim Trier manages to capture a hauntingly real, melancholic look at a day in the life of an addict. It's a superb film. Echoes of' Lilyah-4-ever' and 'Heaven knows what'. The hopelessness of Anders' character flaws are really conveyed brilliantly by Trier. It's fairly bleak but has real staying power.

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10

Shout by Deleted

seen this film yesterday, real good.

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