Ungen (1938)

	Directed by: Rasmus Breistein	COUNTRY Norway GENRE Drama INTERNATIONAL TITLE N/A RUNNING TIME 100 minutes
	Produced by: Johs. Jensen
	Written by (based on the novel by Oskar Braaten): Rasmus Breistein Oskar Braaten

Cast includes:
CHARACTER	ACTOR/ACTRESS	RATING
Milja	Eva Sletto	½
Julius	Harald Heide Steen	½
Hønse-Lovisa	Ragnhild Hard	½
Petrina	Tove Bryn
Krestena	Astrid Sommer	½
Doktoren	Hans Bille

Review

Oskar Braaten's stern but warm and layered depiction of the situation for factory workers in early industrialized east-end Oslo at the turn of the century is the foundation for this earnest rendition by director Rasmus Breistein. What starts off as a somewhat staged and theatrical affair eventually reveals itself to have quite a lot to offer in terms of social discussions. The film is surprisingly unbiased and tactful considering the year of production. It feels as if it was made from the inside, thus avoiding being caught adjudicating from an unassailable distance. If there's a distinct weakness in Ungen, it's the somewhat limited visual and spatial depiction of Oslo. The photography by Gunnar Nilssen-Vig is arguably its weakest link. The acting, on the other hand, is thoroughly solid, with Eva Sletto and Harald Heide Steen looking fabulous in the leads.