Kitchen Stories (2004)
Rated: Not Rated
Runtime: 1 hr 31 mins
Theatrical Release: Feb 20, 2004 Limited
Synopsis: A quaint story about the friendship between two aging men, KITCHEN STORIES is packaged as a comedy with a very strange premise. It is based on research conducted in Sweden in the 1950s when women were observed in the kitchen for a study to determine the best housework techniques. In the film, a... A quaint story about the friendship between two aging men, KITCHEN STORIES is packaged as a comedy with a very strange premise. It is based on research conducted in Sweden in the 1950s when women were observed in the kitchen for a study to determine the best housework techniques. In the film, a fictional plotline concerns a team of Swedish scientists--all men--hired to observe bachelors living alone in Norway. Their methods are absurd. The observers live in funny little trailers outside their subjects' houses. They sit in high, intimidating chairs placed in the corner of their subjects' kitchens where they take notes on a clipboard. Finally, there is a strict rule that the observer and the subject must not speak to each other or make contact of any kind. This last rule is impossible to follow, and in the case of observer Folke (Tomas Norstrom) and subject Isak (Joachim Calmeyer) it is ignored. The two aging men become fast friends, passing wintry afternoons in the rural countryside sipping coffee, smoking pipes, and telling each other fantastic stories. Writer-director Bent Hamer has created a sweet and pleasing comedy with KITCHEN STORIES, using excellent photography, interesting colors, and great performances to make a success of a uncomplicated plot. [More]
Genre: Foreign Films
Starring: Joachim Calmeyer, Tomas Norstrom, Bjorn Floberg, Reine Brynolfsson
DVD Info
Release:
Dec 14, 2004
DVD Features:
- Region (unknown)
- Keep Case
- Widescreen - 2.0
Audio:
- Surround Sound 5.1 English
Buy It On DVD
Reviews
Not the sort of film you'd want a steady diet of, but as a change of pace from the ordinary, it's well worth a look.
An ingeniously dry and bittersweet comedy about that 1940s and '50s research.
One of those rare winning exceptions to the axiom that movies should move, this one shows what advantage can be earned when men of good will sit still together.
What you're left with is a relationship between two men that is untouched by macho posturing or any trace of anxiety -- and a perfect respite from the action flick mentality.
What starts as a satire of the methodical, modernity-seeking society in Sweden ends as a heartwarming dramatic comedy in Norway.
A thoroughly charming oddity. And, in the end, a moving one, too.
An enjoyable study of ridiculous regimentation and a sure balm to anyone who has overdosed on the efficient designs at Ikea.
A rich character piece with more than a few chuckle-worthy moments.
Hamer's pacing is poky, and the 'well, duh' moral ... hits the audience well before it is revealed to the characters.
Kitchen Stories is so subtle that many viewers will not be aware that it's screamingly funny.
It rewards patience with persistent chuckles, and fills its humble plate.
Boy, just when you think all the original stories have been told, something like this comes along.
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