Search - Hunger (1966) (Ws Sub B&W) on DVD

115 minutes in Swedish with subtitles

01/09/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This unforgettable film version of Knut Hamsun's great novel won the Best Actor award at Cannes. The story is told with revolutionary, disruptive movements from reality to myth as a young, talented writer wanders through an unidentified Scandinavian city during an autumn day in the late 1890s. Unable to sell any of his writings, he is reduced to a physical and moral state of abject suffering and near-madness [yet] somehow retains his sense of humor, intelligence, and a smattering of self-righteous dignity. Every contact with humanity emphasizes the writer's solitude and his gradual acceptance of life as a dream voyage. Per Oscarsson's portrait of despair and hallucinatory exaltation goes far beyond the boundaries of verisimilitude; it is known that he actually lived the role before shooting began, and what one beholds is the gaunt face of one artist dramatizing the plight of all artists who cry out for recognition, with only the symbol of their work to nourish their bodies and unfaltering spirit: it is one of the great film performances of all time."

Great Film about a Great Book

Oslo Jargo | FINLAND | 12/16/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This, difficult to find film, merits close examination under the eyes of any reader of modernist literature. Written by Knut Hamsun and based entirely on his experiences of suffering, moral degradation, starvation and humiliation at the hands of the bourgeoisie of Oslo (Kristiana) whose petty values were mired in mockery, snobbish attitudes and haughtiness, truly explores the conscious soul of a writer. The director uses subtle techniques to introduce us to the Oslo of Hamsun's time, replete with arrogant shop owners, horse carriages and stupid followers of the Christian religion. For most of the film, the lead actor, played wonderfully by Per Oscarsson, who is still alive and making films at the age of 77, suffers starvation and yet he is truly determined to live his miserable existence. A gorgeous piece of art and redeemable film whose magnetic images are still important today.

"

Sublime

Kirk Alex | 06/02/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Talented Writer/Director Henning Carlsen does excellent work here, as does actor Per Oscarsson in lead
role.
Fine adaption of what may be my favorite novel of all time, Knut Hamsun's HUNGER.
Waited decades to see this. Finally, when I noticed that the DVD was available on amazon.com, I
got my copy.

Great novels don't always make great films; it's true--but this is that rarest of times when the film is actually as good (or, let's say...comes quite close.) That's high praise from me, because my belief has always been that no matter how terrific a filmed version of a fine novel is, it can never be as good as the book.

If you love Hamsun's beautifully written novel, you'll enjoy this remarkable film."

Perdition

Robert N. Taylor | Appalacian Mountains | 09/15/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I will not reiterate what has been said in the very insightful reviews already posted. They speak for themselves.

This film, an adaptation of Knut Hamsun's book of the same title, is a truly great film adaptation of a great work of literature.

When I first read the book decades ago, it haunted me long afterwards. No less so with this film which brought it all to life.

It is fortunate that the film was in fact done in black and white. Color would have detracted from the grim and gritty subject matter of the story.

As one who has faced simalar circumstances during several segments of his life, I can only say this really epitomized the experience of isolation, hopelessness and starvation as I knew it to be.

It is in a sense a heroic and noble story. Despite the ongoing downward turn of events in the protagonist's life, due to his pride, he is not a begger - due to his ethics, he is not a theif. He is a stoic artist, foolish and hapless perhaps as dreamers tend to be, but one can still admire his character and strength amid his abject difficulties and circumstances.

The acting is absolutely superb and though the film is subtitled, nothing is lost of the story and message. This is a film most anyone could go away with sufficient food for thought. If the ratings allowed 6 stars, that is what I would accord it."