TIFF 09: MAX MANUS Review
Following hard on the heels of similarly themed Danish feature Flame and Citron - the chronicle of two famous Danish resistance fighters in WWII - Norwegian blockbuster Max Manus aims to shed light on a largely forgotten episode of the War effort, namely the struggle of local resistance fighters against the Nazi occupation of their home, revolving in this case around the efforts of famed saboteur Max Manus. Now, as sumptuously shot and impeccably crafted as was Flame and Citron it did tend to play a little obviously to the home crowd and rely on patriotism to carry the day over the actual film making, a situation that led it to feel a little dry to non-Danes - or at least to this particular non-Dane. This is not a problem whatsoever for Max Manus a film that plays every bit as well as a big budget spy thriller as it does a richly detailed trip through actual historical events. This is a film that has not forgotten to entertain as it teaches.
Aksel Hennie stars as the titular Max, a hotheaded young man who we first meet volunteering to fight in aid of Finland's struggle against annexation by Russia - an armed conflict that taught Manus first hand the horrors of war and the bitter taste of defeat - a bitterness made all the worse by Nazi Germany taking over his own homeland shortly after his return. It was a situation that Manus simply couldn't stomach and so he promptly threw his lot is with a group of similarly hot-headed resisters as the protested, published flyers, and took armed action. They may have had passion but they were rather lacking in smarts - a situation that led to their quick capture, a capture Manus escaped by leaping out of a second floor hospital window, a leap that caused him serious injury but gave him an immediate reputation, a reputation that led to his quick recruitment by the much better organized resistance movement based in neighboring Sweden, with orders coming in from Allied command in London.
Though he would always struggle to contain his emotions, Manus was possessed of a fearlessness and boldness that led to his prompt rise through the ranks and after training he was quickly back on the front line of the resistance, bombing supply lines and sabotaging German vessels. He would survive mission after mission thanks to a blend of bravery, skill and pure luck, watching as friends and allies were cut down around him, the strain slowing wearing him down ...
Hennie has long been considered one of the very finest actors of his generation and this is a role he coveted dearly, turning down a series of other high profile offers purely to ensure that he was available for this part, a persistence that pays off with a truly powerful performance, one that sees Hennie disappear entirely into the part. His transformation from naive idealist to hardened killer is striking, the tension that marked his life palpable. Though his spirit never breaks entirely it certainly wavers on occasion - his celebrated nerves and boldness soon needing to be bolstered with alcohol and sex with a woman who could very well be a double agent. Hennie has a natural charisma to him, a potent blend of physicality and emotional vulnerability that makes him perfect for the part and he does not disappoint one iota. Joining him here is his former UNO cohort - for those who haven't seen this one, I recommend it highly - Nicolai Cleve Broch as Manus' most trusted friend and lieutenant, the actors' history of working together giving them a natural rapport that serves the characters beautifully.
Max Manus is a film that succeeds on any number of levels. It is a tight espionage thriller. It is a layered and intricate character study. It is a lesson in a forgotten piece of history that effectively throws light on to an area that we have almost completely ignored in North America. It is also one rollicking piece of entertainment that deserves full mention with the very best war films ever made.
