Synopsis

November 1989. The Berlin wall collapses. In Stavanger town, 17-year-old Jarle Klepp has no idea that everything is about to change. So far, he has everything; the best girlfriend in the world, and the world’s coolest buddy. Together they soon launch Stavanger’s toughest punk band, ‘Mattias Rust Band’. But a new transfer student, Yngve, who is unlike anyone Jarle has met, pushes him into a state of confusion. He does not know what to do. All he knows is that he cannot stop meeting Yngve, even if it involves doing things he really hates, like listening to Duran Duran and playing tennis. Based on Tore Renberg’s original story of the same title, *The Man Who Loved Yngve* received both critical and commercial acclaim. A lively coming-of-age film filled with both laughter and tears, this film took Norway by surprise in 2008. A native of Stavanger, like the author, the director captures the social atmosphere of Norway through Stavanger during the 1980s while giving the film a flair with a good combination of comedy and drama. Upcoming Norwegian actor, Rolf Kristian Larsen gives a superb performance of Jarle, who experiences confusion in his sexual identity when he feels irresistible love towards Yngve despite the fact that he has a great girlfriend. However, perhaps the biggest attraction in this film is the rich soundtrack which perfectly recreates the mood of the 1980s through music from Stone Roses, Cure, REM, Jesus & Mary Chain, and Joy Division. (Chung Woochung)

Director

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  • Stian Kristiansen
  • Born in 1972, Stian Kristiansen studied directing in Stavanger and graduated from the Norwegian Film School in 2006. He worked as an actor for several years at the Rogaland Theater and appeared in films such as *Benny* and *Mongoland*. Before directing his feature debut, *The Man Who Loved Yngve*, he directed several short films, including *Adam and Eve*, *Mangs*, *Please Kiss Me!*, *Malicious Investments*, and *Hidden*.