Oslo, 31. August

Triers second film in his Oslo trilogy depicts the complexities of how it is to return to a familiar place under different circumstances.

In Oslo, August 31st, we meet Anders (Anders Danielsen Lie), a former drug addict. Anders is on his day out from rehab in Oslo to attend a job interview. Before and after the interview, he takes the opportunity to meet up with friends, and problems left undone.

This is one of the best norwegian films out there, mainly because of how it depicts the urban city life in Oslo, and the challenges which follows a recovering drug addict. As a norwegian and a former Oslo citizen, this film hit me hard. With its social realistic style, this film makes you not just reflect upon the lives of drug addicts through the perspective of Anders, but also life in general through the conversation that Anders has with his friends.

Oslo, August 31st is a socratic masterpiece.