Norwegian Ninja – DVD Review

The Flick:

Blending reality and sensationalized fiction, Norwegian Ninja wins as a completely original film that takes its humor seriously. The title alone is an ingenious marketing device that sparks curiosity (Norway has ninjas?). Fortunately for the producing team behind Dead Snow, this interesting documentary styled late night classic works on every level.

The flick stars Mads Oussdal as Kommandør Arne Treholt, a character based on the real life Trehold, a Norwegian diplomat sent to prison for treason on behalf of the Soviet Union. Only, in director Thomas Cappelen Malling’s marvelous tale Trehold is actually the head of a covert ninja force that lives on an island protected by Feng shui. His team of ninjas work directly for King Olav and protect Norway from evil and communists. Everything is hunky dory, that is until Otto Meyer (Jon Øigarden), the head of an secret anti-communist group called Stay Behind, decide to launch attacks that will later be blamed on the Soviet Union, in order to hurry a United States take over of Norway. The real Meyer was believed to be involved a anti-Soviet organization that favored the views of the United States during the Cold War.

I’m not sure I’ve ever watched a flick so wacky and unpredictable. The film has a washed out look to it and is intentionally messed up to look like old film, and is shot in a documentary style that is totally appropriate. The effects are wonderful and even when it is obvious that a scale model is used, it works within the confines of the film. Malling’s use of ninja staples and and old school action ideals is what makes this flick so much fun. It takes itself seriously only when it needs to.

Norwegian Ninja is a flick that I would have watched on late night shows like USA Up All Night, and that’s exactly what makes it a killer film.

The DVD:

Audio/Video

The audio is pretty standard, but I think that it’s perfect for this film. The video looks washed out and old, but once again it’s perfect.

Special Features

Deleted Scenes: There are 3 deleted scenes to check out and all of them are worth watching.

Featurettes: There are a number of killer featurettes on this disc, including interviews, behind the scenes looks at the effects, and more.

There are also a few bonus scenes, and a trailer included on the disc.

The Flick:Rating:

The DVD:Rating: