Song of Norway

source: Song of Norway

Moviecut—Song of Norway

Song of Norway

The movie starts out great with some of the most beautiful nature scenery ever taken by a movie camera. If you stopped watching the film at this point, you'd be ahead of the game. From there on you will not find two connected scenes, let alone a continuous movie. Saying this film is bizarre is to do a disservice to the word bizarre. My guess is that someone shot several dozens of scenes, then put them in a big box, shook the box thoroughly, very thoroughly, and spliced them together at random. The result was The Song of Norway. Morley, Henderson, and, Robinson must have been very, very, broke to have been in this flick. Take a pass on this dog. (my apologies to dogs)

I seriously don't know how to describe this movie. I'll start with my obvious statement, that I'm not necessarily a big fan of musicals (quite the contrary) and while I will write that I also didn't enjoy "Sound of Music" as much, I am aware that some/many will dislike my comment here. But it's not as much about other musicals, as it is about this particular musical, the Song of Norway. Even people who love musicals despise this film, which brings me to my theory. This film might be a comedy after all. It might be a genius thought of the director, dragging the musical down the road and showing it with so much sugar coated (music) numbers, that it really takes the wind of the drama and anything else. You could say then, that this was a master plan ... but on the other hand, it still doesn't make it an entertaining view. Far from it. Nice cinematography/landscapes though ...

...you just have to overlook that Florence Henderson was still cast in the Brady Bunch when this was filmed in 1970. I always had loved classical music growing up (before I discovered psychedelic and acid rock of the same era, 1965-1974), and just learning the story of Edvard Grieg was a great to watch. Looking at the landscape and beauty of Norway, I was fascinated by this movie. The story was great, very tedious no doubt to some, and I loved it. In an ironic turn of events, I ended up marrying a Norweigan girl. We just celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary last year. And whose music was on? Grieg. Not disappointing of a movie at all. Always will be a treasure to me.

Muslim detainees in Guantanamo Bay were reportedly tortured by having to watch this film several times a day, many of them begging for mercy and swearing they would eat pork chops for dinner every day if only they quit showing them this film... ***WARNING! SPOILERS AHEAD!*** The Surgeon General has concluded that watching this movie may be hazardous to your health. ... I saw this movie on the Big Screen when it came out. I loved Grieg's music (well, still do) but this film really put my loyalty to the test. Others here have spoken quite eloquently about the movie's incredible editing and song and dance numbers, so I won't add to the comments. The reason I gave the movie two stars instead of one was: Florence Henderson's wonderful role in reprising her cameo in Weird Al Yankovic's "Amish Paradise", and the totally meaningless non-sequitur animated sequence about two thirds through the movie where you have monsters popping out of fiords.

I saw Song of Norway as a child, in all its magnificence, in 70mm with 6-track sound. I saw it every time it returned for "morning shows" (until the print's color had well and truly faded) and have never forgotten it. The last time was more than 25 years ago. I cant understand why so many people find it "awful". Or maybe I can --- it demands a certain "innocence" and a surrender to sentiment that most adults today are uncomfortable with. What's not to like? It has Grieg's soaring music, stunning cinematography, decent unpretentious acting, gorgeous locales and a certain epic "sweep" sadly lacking in today's soul-less blockbusters, which seem false and contrived in comparison. I believe it was available briefly on DVD in an edited and utterly execrable transfer that did no justice at all to the film's visual and sonic glories. But who has the rights now? Will they please PLEASE restore and release this lovely film on DVD (and perhaps even Blu-Ray) in a presentation worthy of posterity?

Not the most exciting movie ever made, but it's not the worst either. Granted, it does have its weak points-it seems to go on forever, it doesn't have that much to offer by way of an interesting plotline, and the acting in some spots could be better. However, it's not without its charms. The music is very appealing, and it really is gorgeous to look at. It is an adequate time filler-it's just not for every taste. You be the judge

Although some of the acting is bland, the movie honestly tells of the struggle of a great musician to be "heard". Postcard cinematography and a good stereo sound add to the ambiance, and the music is so GOOD that one can forgive the lyrics writers for giving words to it, but these are the same people that gave words to the music of Borodin in "Kismet" and we MUST admit that "Stranger in Paradise" HAS become a staple!