Søndagsengler (1996)

Cast includes:
CHARACTER	ACTOR/ACTRESS	RATING
Maria	Marie Theisen
Johannes	Bjørn Sundquist	½
Fru Tunheim	Hildegunn Riise
Olav	Martin Dahl Garfalk	-
Moren	Sylvia Salvesen	-
Ung prest	Jørgen Langhelle	-

Review

Beautiful, slow-moving and visually conscious Norwegian drama about a priest's daughter and her psychological transition from the start of her confirmation preparations to after the ceremony. As directed and co-written by Berit Nesheim (Frida, Høyere enn himmelen), the film demonstrates a deep understanding of its characters. And the narrative, which is presented from Maria's perspective, comes tiptoeing elegantly along. It's through Nesheim's inquisitive directorial style, more than through plotting, that we get to know our rather complex protagonist and the people around her. And Maria is played with insight and strength by the 17-year-old debutant Marie Theisen from Lillehammer. Her balanced performance helps the film in its discussion on the impact of Christianity, both on a personal level and in the Norwegian society in the 1950s and 60s. Søndagsengler is an accomplished and intriguing film elevated by strong performances and Arne Borsheim's fine photography. Nominated for Best Foreign Language Film at the Academy Awards in 1997.