Kitchen Stories

Kitchen Stories is a Nowegian/Swedish film that was directed by Bent Hamer and released in the year 2003.

The plot takes place in one of the years following the end of World War 2. The setting for Kitchen Stories is in the scandinavian countryside during the winter. Swedish scientists and researchers decide to analyze kitchen use and habits of Norwegian men. This research will supposedly help Norwegian males optimize the use and utility of their home kitchen. Hundreds of Swedish observers are sent to Norway's rural communities to make note of habits and trends of Norwegian males in their kitchen. The main character, "Folke", is assigned to observe an old man named "Isak". Under pledge of the research study, Folke must remain seated in an elevated stilted chair during his month stay. He must also sit in the corner of the kitchen while taking notes & observatiosn of Isak without engaging in any verbal or physical contact with him. For the first week or so of the study, the feeling coming from the situation was of awkwardness and tension. Historically speaking, Swedes and Norwegians have disliked each other because of their differences. Stereotypes between the two have been made, and there is always unnecessary competition and hatred between people of each respective country. After a while, Isak starts opening up to Folke and they begin having conversations and meals together (against research policy rules). Before you know it, the two former rivals are quickly the best of friends. Isak's previous "best friend" is extremely jealous as a result. One day, Folke has no choice but to leave his position as researcher and head back to his home in Sweden. As soon as he can, Folke turns back towards Norway to pursue a life with Isak. To much sadness, Isak had past by the time he returned. Folke and Isak's "previous best friend" mourn their mutual pal. The final scene is of Folke and his new friend enjoying dinner together in Isak's home. There is certainly a feeling of peace and tranquility in this ending.

To put things in "Global Film Studies terms", a very strong cultural bridge can be made between Scandinavian culture/society and Midwestern USA culture/society. The Midwest has a lot of Norwegian and Swedish influence and ancestry within its population. Both the Midwest and Scandinavia are cold weathered and flat (mostly rural) land. Kitchen Stories deals with the issues of national stereotyping and rivalry. I believe every person can relate to this theme from the movie, wich is prevalent in everyday life throughout the world. The main reason I like this movie is because there are so many similarities between it and my own homeland. As I said before, a very strong and supportive cultural bridge exists between the setting of this movie and my own familiar setting.      

In my opinion, this movie was a perfect choice to analyze for Global Film Studies class. This film in particular has so many features and aspects that can be connected and associated with our lives (as the viewers). I initially thought that the basis for this movie was strange and ridiculous, however it turned out to be comedic and happily unique. I thought it was interesting that this film was largely to illustrated the Swede & Norde rivalry that exists everyday. It brought me thinking, do all Norwegian/Swedish films have to address their rivalry with one another? All I can say is that it's obviously a big  and important part of their lifestyle. One thing that I really liked about this foreign film was how similar it was to Minnesota personality and culture. In conclusion, Kitchen Stories was a slow, yet heart-lifting film that I recommend to any Midwesterner. If you can't see the correlation between this film and the Scandinavian influence here, then you  must be blind! Keep in awareness for future foreign film reviews and summaries!