A captivating Scandinavian thriller that grabs you from the beginning and never lets go. Not only has Morten delivered a strong thriller built on a strong and tension filled story, but they've also created engaging and interesting characters. At first, this is as much character study as thriller--with lovely haired narrator Roger (Aksel Hennie) admitting that his insecurity about his average height compels him to steal paintings in an attempt to hang on to his glamorous, out-of-his-league wife, Diana (Synnøve Macody Lund). We see how Roger's magazine layout life is set up, with an expensive home he doesn't even like, and the deft system he has for stealing artwork. For a while, the film verges on becoming a 'how to' manual. Evidently, you shouldn't waste too much time on getting a proper forgery to hang in place of the picture you're stealing because a reasonable photocopy will pass resting in the dark long enough for you to make a getaway--and dispose of the original on the black market.

Roger Brown (Aksel Hennie) is a very successful corporate Oslo recruiter who happens to mix business with upscale burglary. Roger's day job calls on him to vet candidates for high-level executive positions, which provides cover for his shady probing into the new recruit's income and living accommodations. Valuable works of art particularly interest Roger. If he finds what he's looking for, the prospect becomes a mark, and his accomplice gets busy creating forgeries, which Roger swaps with originals during the ensuing heist.
Insecurity motivates his risky criminal activity because Roger is nothing but a fraud. Roger believes his wife, Diana (former model Synnøve Macody Lund), will only stay with him if he provides a lifestyle a few levels above his salary. Roger encounters an opportunity that could potentially be worth millions, and he is all in for the score of a lifetime.

On the opening night of his wife's art gallery, Roger is introduced to Clas Greve (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau). As it turns out, that before he was a corporate suit, Clas was a counter-terrorist operative-prone to going off the beaten path to bring down his targets, with a agenda which isn't likely good for anyone who crosses him. This leads to an escalating nightmare which finds the smooth criminal literally dunked in as well as forced to shave off his hair for grotesquely high-tech reasons when it turns out someone is now hunting his head, and not metaphorically.

Director Morten Tylan does a masterful job keeping the suspense and narrative in high gear throughout. Adapted from the book by Norwegian crime novelist Jo Nesbø, "Headhunters" turns cat and mouse--and stays that way throughout, during an prolonged middle, despite some credibility issues. The novel "Headhunters" has been translated to film extremely well. The film holds its twists close to the chest, and there's little time to dissect the ambitiousness of its plotting until it is revealed late in the film. The film effectively plays on our fears of being hunted and cornered. Two strong, charismatic lead performances, a great sense of style--amusingly repulsive with never ending ruthless twists.… Expand

This is a superb film, expertly crafted on every level. There are so many brilliant 'edge of your seat' set pieces that stay in your mind when the film has finished. It moves a long at a really good pace with slick editing and a score that keeps you transfixed throughout. One of the best thrillers I've seen in a long long time and a script that really brings the characters to life. These Norwegians don't mess around when it comes to film making. I can't wait to see more stuff from the guys who put this one together. Spot on… Expand

ittle Big Man Jo Nesbo, the latest Scandinavian thriller writer, lifted the spirit of Fargo and Harlan Coben in his thriller Headhunters, now adapted into this superior Norwegian (!) film version. Roger Brown (where did he get such an English name?) is the small, successful, scheming headhunter who also doubles as an art thief.Brown lives over his head, has his gorgeous wife who towers over him, and a mop of ridiculous 1980's hair - so he's got to be head and shoulders above any other scalper. 'OK then,' as the Coen Brothers might say, but when he takes on the task of stealing from the hottest new prospect in town (who also owns a priceless painting he must steal), Brown's world starts to fall apart. The wonderful Nikolaj Coster-Waldau (of Game of Thrones fame)who plays the prospect, turns out to be a sexy killer. Roger (Aksel Hennie, brilliant) has to run for his life. His whole life falls to pieces - his partner killed, his wife seduced, even his precious hair is sacrificed. Brown battles against his new and altogether superior, antagonist. Surviving the initial onslaught, the little big man plots his revenge and triumphs over his adversary in a hugely entertaining conclusion. The only thing the film lacks is a heart. All of the protagonists are so deeply flawed, it is difficult to like anyone or believe anything. Though it is brilliantly tied up with some true romance, the fact is, when Roger triumphs, he barely changes from the wicked **** shown in the opening reel. Yes, he does give his now happy wife a baby, gets out of the art thief market, but still, goes back to the world of the headhunter with glee. Maybe this is a small price to pay for such a supremely entertaining thriller. Next year, the inferior US re-make awaits. See the original, dark and chilly as it is… Expand

Norway's top corporate headhunter, Roger Brown, is an insecure, slightly built man married to a tall beautiful woman who he looks up to. When she opens an art gallery , he seizes on an opportunity to rise from a small part-time art thief to the big leagues. His plan runs a cropper when he tries to steal a Rubens painting from would-be CEO, Clas Greven, who unfortunately for Brown, is also an ex- navy seal type. Claus has a plan too. This is an action packed thriller, with social commentary and significant psychological insights. In other words, not for most American audiences (Yes, that means it has subtitles, and you have to be able to read and watch simultaneously). This film has elements of the best of suspense/action directors like **** Coppola and Greenglass, and if you love action films with gorgeous complex women, great story and plot, and credible leading men who are not caricatures, then you should see (or rent ) this film.… Expand

What a great movie. I guess this will be the Norwegian entry for the Academy Awards. Very good story, fast, intelligent, very good lead actor, wonderful performances in general. Sure it's all about that special thing in the motion picture industry, I guess this Director has just built his ..., it starts with an 'r' ;)

One of t h e best movies I've seen this year. Great plot with plenty of twists and turns. A movie easily overlooked until you watch it.

If there is one movie to watch this year - it's this one.

Movie makes you care about main character with great cast, thrilling story and intense moments and then delivers a satisfying conclusion. Recommended for the fans of recent Girl with the dragon tattoo

Definitely the most entertaining movie I have seen this year. It was an edge-of-your-seat, roller coaster ride of a movie. Thrilling and funny in an OMG - I can't believe this is happening kind of way, I highly recommend this movie.