The Scandinavian countries still hold first place when it comes to youth and children's films. This 1998 Norwegian film by Torun Lian, however, even sets the standard a little higher. The quietly and subtly directed story of Oslo-born Maria, who has lost her little brother to cancer and sees her family disintegrating before her very eyes, will one day be regarded as one of the best coming-of-age films ever made.
It is sad, yes, even hard to watch at times how Maria is lost in her young life. But when she meets a boy her own age - mostly left to himself by his working mother - and they share days and evenings talking and generally goofing around in the provincial town of Bergen, she gradually opens up. When the first smile in a long time appears on Maria's face, it is impossible to ignore the lump in your throat - you know you've slowly but surely been drawn into this serious but wonderful little film. If you have the chance to catch this gem with subtitles and in its original 'Scope-format, don't pass up on it.
