Oslo, August 31st
User Score
6.9 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 17 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 17
  3. Negative: 4 out of 17

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  1. nutterjr
    May 3, 2013
    9
    Quiet yet powerful, uneventful yet overwhelming. Joachim Trier is a masterful observant of the subtleties that make the most profound impact and whispers them in our ears thus making them more personal.
  2. dcowles1
    May 26, 2012
    8
    Intelligent filmmaking, a great performance and some brilliant moments add up to make this a great character study, and more than make up for the thin (and maybe even trite) story.
  3. Rhino79
    Feb 23, 2013
    2
    I'm shocked that this film received such high praise from critics. I found it overly bleak and lacking any real emotional depth, a shallow wallowing in exististential nihilism. This film essentially says, "Life is meaningless." If you're hesitant about suicide, this little cinematic ray of sunshine may provide the push you need to finally go through with it. And I now have absolutely no desire to visit Oslo, Norway, because evidently it is the most depressing place on Earth.… Expand
  4. seancriswell
    Dec 22, 2012
    8
    A gritty, realistic drama centered around a day in the life of a recovering drug addict. The film centers around a man named Anders who is released from rehab for one day in order to go for a job interview. The heart of this movie centers around his relationships and how they relate to his substance abuse. Each new character we encounter, and some that we only hear about, gives us a glimpse into Anders joys, pains, and ultimately his soul. This gives us a very profound look into what can drive addiction while never letting Anders off the hook for his life choices. It is very rare to see a film tackle this tough topic in such a realistic way, and thus makes this a great cinematic experience. The director also does a tremendous job of giving us a sense of place in this film, there are many shots that are breathtaking and add to the enjoyment of this movie. I can not recommend this film strongly enough.… Expand
  5. Nesbitt10
    Jan 20, 2013
    9
    An exquisite, intimate Norwegian drama about a young mans struggle with new found sobriety. Anders (Anders Danielsen Lie) comes from a well to do family and in his early thirties, and now lives in a sober house with other addicts struggling to assimilate back into society. He is a given a day pass from the house for a job interview, taking him back into Oslo where he meets and encounters those of his past.
    Essentially, Oslo, August 31st is a day in the life of a broken soul. The film depicts Anders' events of the day with extended conversations that tell as much about Anders as they do about the person he's talking too. There's a moment, for instance, when Anders and his best friend talk in a park about the frustrations in their lives. By the end, you won't know who to feel more sorry for, the drug addict who has nothing, or the married man who loathes his conventional existence.
    There are many things to like and enjoy in Trier's new film, starting with his generally absolute command of the medium, but what appeals most to me is the handling of the addiction, relapse, suicide theme. Nothing is conventional or obvious. Everything is balanced. Anders is or was a winner, but not spectacularly so. He was just a good writer. The script conveys with cold accuracy the effects of throwing away six years of a life, and the collateral damage to family and loved ones. Anders is not beaten down or haggard. He is sharp and healthy. The damage is inside. And as always in "real life," the problem is not the drugs.
    Joachim Trier's sophomore effort is simply extraordinary. Joachim's simplistic approach enables the audience to form a compelling bond with Anders, developing compassion for him, thus solidifying it's authenticity. For additional reviews visit: http://www.rottentomatoes.com/member/Nesbitt10    … Expand

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
84 out of 100

Universal acclaim - based on 23 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 23
  3. Negative: 0 out of 23
  1. Portland Oregonian
    Reviewed by: Shawn Levy
    Aug 30, 2012
    83
    The slowness and stillness in the film are, actually, a slow boil, and in Lie's taciturnity there is pain and even horror.
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  2. Boston Globe
    Reviewed by: Ty Burr
    Aug 30, 2012
    100
    The surface of Oslo, August 31st is as cool and crystalline as a Scandinavian lake, but at its core is a benevolence for the life we all share and tears for the man who can no longer share in it.
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  3. Chicago Sun-Times
    Reviewed by: Roger Ebert
    Aug 29, 2012
    100
    Oslo, August 31st is quietly, profoundly, one of the most observant and sympathetic films I've seen.
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