Remakes... what is that? More than the concept of "remake", remakes are a way to make "easy money" and, of course, a way to overshadow the originals and cover their true identity. In the end, we think the Americans are so great and original when they lack ideas and originality, remaking the others's works instead and claiming as theirs. If before knowing that the remake was a remake it seemed alright, in comparison it pales.I don't know more norwegian movies, even though Norway is a gorgeous country. But this moment of glory in norwegian cinema is one to be treasured.Hollywood, beware: this norwegian is a lesson in originality and how to make a movie as it should be. There is a lot to be appreciated. The story is unlike anything else, the norwegian cinematography is stunning, the film is intriguing, the acting by the actors is authentic and the film-making is a good school of film-making.Lene Elise Bergum is a lot more serious than the funnier Cameron Diaz, but it's the norwegian actress who is superior (and far more authentic). Although Cameron Diaz was still beautiful and hot back then, Lene is hotter because of the several nudity scenes.Svein Roger Karlsen is phenomenal as the judge. Every weird behavior of his character seems so authentic that it only means that the actor is awesome. Morten Abel and Reidar Sørensen have good performances too, but they're in a different league because their roles are much simpler.This should definitely be on Top 250.

This is one terrific movie, I can't believe they keep it hidden like this. I know very few norwegian movies, but I can tell this one is among the great ones.What makes this movie so great? A lot of things. The plot is as intriguing as it is original and unusual. The norwegian settings are beautiful. There is tension, intensity, suspense and black, morbid humor. It's a very crazy movie and its craziness is a key reason why I like it so much. I like crazy movies and this is by far one of the craziest I know. Film-making, direction and picture quality are first class. The actors are terrific. Nothing or almost nothing is over the top, even though the character Einar does some truly disturbing (even shocking) things.Lene Elise Bergum is super as Lene. She is so believable that when she is seized by panic, it looks as if she's gonna collapse. And she's one of the hottest people I've ever seen in a movie.Svein Roger Karlsen is phenomenal as Einar. He convinces to the point of, more than portraying the character, seeming as if he *becomes* him. His facial expressions are priceless. He is completely crazy, enigmatic, ironic, hilarious and creepy and sinister when he's supposed to. This guy is like a norwegian Jack Nicholson and Peter Lorre.Morten Abel makes a great Bjørn. Reidar Sørensen is as intense in his acting as his character Gaute is (in other words, a beautiful acting).As expected, I have to say this: this movie had an American remake (itself not much better known than the original). The remake closely follows the original's plot and they are indeed very similar but obviously differ in details and the remake is more americanized. The remake seemed fine before but that was before I found out there is an original and compared them. The original triumphs beyond any doubt.In comparison, the original is "truer", darker in some ways and more "humble" in others, has more beautiful scenario, infinitely better acting from the actors and avoids the laughable faults detected in the remake. Some things in the remake are over the top (for example, the chainsaw scene - PLEASE!!!) - of which the original is void of.Lene Elise Bergum is phenomenal, easily a lot more convincing than Cameron Diaz. Lene is so much more intense. Harvey Keitel tries the best he can, but he just isn't in the same league as Svein Roger Karlsen. Craig Sheffer was enjoyable, but then again Morten Abel is better. Billy Zane is boring, which Reidar Sørensen never is.Don't know the title in Portugal.

This movie, "Hodet over vannet", has later been remade in the Hollywood-version "Head Above Waters". Usually, originals tend to be better than remakes. From what I heard, that is exactly the case with this one. I wish I could confirm just that, but I can't since I haven't seen the Hollywood version. Now, back to this movie. Norwegian movies tend to stink big time, but this is an exception to that. The story is really good, and there are lots of surprises as it proceeds. The surroundings is south Norway in the summer, and it really fits to the movie and the plot. The especially interesting part about the plot, is that you never really know who's the bad guy, if there's any bad guy at all.

People went crazy in '96 when Head Above Water hit the movies in the us. Not so many people know, but it's actually "Hodet Over Vannet" that came before the English version. One of the best norwegian movies ever made. If you speak English, and have seen this version, and liked it, I surly recommend "De dødes tjern" as well. It's from the 60, and are definitely one of norways tresures as well:) One of the things I also like; Is that my all time fave norwegian singer Morten Abel is acting in it. He might be best known from the pop group The September When, but he also has a huge acting talent. He also sings the title song, whitch is an all time classic in norwegian music, I think:)