This eccentric little ride, which made some noise at Fantastic Fest a couple of years ago, offers up a fictionalized account of the events surrounding Norwegian diplomat Arne Treholt who was found guilty of selling military secrets to the Soviets in 1984. In this fantastical imagining of the story, Treholt (a stone-faced Mads Ousdal) is the leader of King Olav’s super secret anti-terrorist ninja squad who train on a remote island near Oslo. This rat-tag group of fighters often find themselves up against another top-secret government outfit that stages false communist terrorist attacks to scare “the ignorant masses.” Golan-Globus this is not. Unless you’re up on Norwegian history, much of the political and social satire might not exactly translate. But “Norwegian Ninja,” among other things, is also a low-tech homage to Cold War espionage films and works in spite of any cultural divide. Those drawn to the title with visions of hardcore ninja action, however, will be extremely disappointed.
Less a traditional narrative than a series of droll vignettes told in faux documentary fashion, “Ninja” often feels like a Wes Anderson film (a fact they trumpet on the DVD box). Episodic, low-tech action sequences, complete with models on wires, are juxtaposed with wry, banal interactions with the straight-faced cast. The main thrust of the plot, the training of a new ninja master, is unevenly woven into other story threads. But the wild, whimsical world that writer/director Thomas Cappelen Malling creates almost demands an off-kilter narrative. Like most Wes Anderson vehicles, the design of the film is essential to the story. Trod Hoines’ cinematography and Are Sjaastad’s production design are the true stars of the film. The wonderful miniature designs work surprisingly well with the stark location footage. It’s a truly unique look that stays with the viewer long after the storyline fades from memory. Also of note is the film’s eclectic score by Gaute Tonder; an exciting and often playful soundscape that often recalls memorable scores from American espionage classics of the ‘60’s.
Though it is sometimes difficult to judge the acting in a foreign “action” film, where subtitles are often in direct conflict with the visuals, “Ninja” is obviously a horse of a different color. Ousdal, who won a Best Actor award at Fantastic Fest, gives a fun, deadpan performance as the enigmatic Treholt. Much of the film’s fine balance of satire and faux drama rests assuredly on his shoulders. His co-star Amund Maarud (who plays ninja trainee Bumble Bee) proves an adept physical comedian as well as a charismatic leading man. Other cast members including Trond-Viggo Torgersen as King Olav and Linn Stokke as Ragnhild bring more grounded (and even nuanced) performances to the table.
This Dark Sky Films DVD certainly does the barely-released title justice. The slick widescreen transfer is beautiful and is supported by a sharp Dolby Digital soundtrack. Surprisingly there are several extras including some deleted scenes, behind-the-scenes featurettes, the domestic trailer, TV spots, a music video and more. Clocking in at less than 80 minutes, “Norwegian Ninja” is an ideal title for a “thinking persons” action movie marathon.
