Himmel og helvete (1969)

	Directed by: Øyvind Vennerød	COUNTRY Norway Genre Drama INTERNATIONAL TITLE Heaven and Hell RUNNING TIME 95 minutes
	Produced by: Anne Vennerød
	Written by: Øyvind Vennerød Victor Borg

Cast includes:
CHARACTER	ACTOR/ACTRESS	RATING
Eva Falck	Sigrid Huun	½
Arne	Lillebjørn Nilsen
Ivar Falck	Georg Richter
Berit	Randi Borch
Zatek	Per Tofte
Hermansen	Pål Skjønberg	½
Oddvar	Svein Sturla Hungnes
Johan, Zateks håndlanger	Per Jansen	½
Orheim	Arne Aas	½
Fru Lauritzen	Ingrid Øvre Wiik	-
Trosdahl, overlege	Arne Bang-Hansen	-
Arnes bestemor	Kari Diesen	-
Knut Brenden	Svein Skaara	-
Dikteren	Odd Jan Sandsdalen	-
Ole	Ole Medbøe	-
Popsangerinnen	Inger Lise Rypdal	-
Per	Peter Anker	-
Fru Brenden	Elisabeth Bang	-
Aas, lærerinne	Vibeke Falk	-
Pantelåner	Egil Hjorth-Jenssen	-

Review

In this early film about cannabis use and addiction among Norwegian youths, the effects of the drug and the ensuing downward spiral are terribly simplified, and the propagandist, almost hysterical messaging is painfully obvious. Himmel og helvete has other problems too – not least the stiff, theatrical performances by several of the senior cast members – and director Øyvind Vennerød (father of Petter) isn't able to reconcile the modernity of his themes and his younger actors with the antiquated tradition within which the film was made. Still, the film rises to the occasion in a handful of scenes depicting the more lighthearted adventures of the youngsters. These scenes feel less forced and almost have a sense of urgency about them. If nothing else, they serve as a time capsule, albeit hardly a truly authentic one. Young aspiring folk singer Lillebjørn Nilsen, who went on to become a national treasure in Norway, demonstrates a natural presence in front of the camera as the male lead, Arne, and is the standout performer.