KITCHEN STORIES
aka SALMER FRA KJOKKENET

Year: 2003
USA: IFC Films
UK: ICA Projects
Cast: Joachim Calmeyer, Tomas Norström, Bjørn Floberg, Reine Brynolfsson, Sverre Anker Ousdal, Leif Andree, Gard B Eidsvold, Lennart Jähkel, Trond Brænne
Director: Bent Hamer
Countries: Norway / Sweden
Language: Norwegian / Swedish (English subtitles)
UK: 95 mins
UK Certificate: PG contains mild language
UK Release Date: 2 January 2003 (Limited Release - London)
USA Release Date: 20 February 2003 (Limited Release)
US Distributor

Synopsis

In 1950's Norway a mass-observation project led by Swedish scientists was underway. After thoroughly mapping the Swedish housewife's behaviour in the kitchen, scientists at the Home Research Institute in Sweden felt ready to venture beyond their own geographic and gender-based limitations. They sent 18 observers to the rural district of Landstad, Norway, with its surplus of bachelors, to study the kitchen routines of single men. In order to be on 24-hour call, the observers lived an isolated existence in egg-shaped campers outside each subject's house.

Mild-mannered Folke (Tomas Norström) is one of these observers, dealt the challenge of studying the habits of the initially reticent Isak (Joachim Calmeyer). Against the odds (and rules of the study), the two men form a bond that becomes a close friendship, enriching both of their lives and allowing them to break out of their respective moulds.

The cult hit of the 2003 Cannes and London Film Festivals KITCHEN STORIES is a stylish and warm comedy. Beautiful cinematography compliments the understated performances, washing the action in a glorious retro sheen.