Kærlighed ved første hik

When I remember my childhood before I even got to enjoy the teenage life, this was one of the first movies about the teenage lifes I ever got to watch and I have to say I often thought about living like Anja, have to get guys like Viktor hanging around. This matches the typical life in the late 90's in DK and that's what I love about it.

There are books so special you never believe they will turn out to be great movies. Dennis Jürgensen's "Kærlighed Ved Første HIK" are one of few books that almost every Danish teenager have read. I guess most of the young Danish boys fall in love with Anja when they read the book, and I simply didn't believe they could turn this very funny story into a believable movie, and still keep the picture of Anja being so very special. The story about poor young Victor falling in love with the rich and 2 years older Anja has been changed a bit to fit to the screen, but Thomas Villum Jensen has directed a close to perfect movie. It is very funny, and very well acted. Robert Hansen and Sofie Lassen-Kahlke are making a good couple, and Rasmus Albeck as Victor's kid brother are so hounest I bet all with love him. The movie has broken close to all records in Denmark, and the success are deserved. This is going to be a classic, and funny both for young people learning to live, and old remembering their past.

* (1 out of 5)

Kærlighed Ved Første Hik

Directed by: Tomas Villum Jensen, 1999

Danish cult author of children's books, Dennis Jürgensen, has one of his first and most memorable books turned into a pitiful, dry and thoroughly un-imaginative film.

The acting is wooden, the dialogue is colorless and the scope is embarrassing. The transformation from book to film is overly cute and bland. The filmmakers had been better off digging out another similar themed Danish film, Busters Verden (1984) by Bille August, and learning a trick or two from this warm and genuinely funny classic.

Kærlighed ved første hik is a delightful Danish teen comedy that captures the awkwardness and excitement of first love. Directed by Tomas Villum Jensen and based on Dennis Jürgensen's popular youth novel, the film takes us on a journey with Viktor, a shy and clumsy high school student, as he navigates the challenges of pursuing his crush, the beautiful and popular Anja.

Robert Hansen delivers a heartwarming performance as Viktor, portraying the character's endearing vulnerability and determination. Sofie Lassen-Kahlke shines as Anja, capturing both her charm and complexity as a teenage girl torn between different romantic interests. The chemistry between the two leads is genuine and makes their evolving relationship engaging to watch.

The film cleverly combines humor and romance, resulting in many amusing and relatable moments. Viktor's relentless hiccups become a recurring gag, adding a lighthearted touch to the story. The supporting cast, including Joachim Knop, Mira Wanting, Karl Bille, and Jonas Gülstorff, brings additional humor and depth to the narrative, enhancing the overall entertainment value.

The exploration of teenage sexuality is handled with care and honesty. The conversations between Anja and her best friend Gitte about sex are refreshingly open and candid, reflecting the curiosity and curiosity of adolescents. The film approaches these topics with a level of maturity, highlighting the characters' desire to explore their emotions and desires while also emphasizing the importance of communication and consent.

Visually, the film captures the nostalgic atmosphere of the late '90s, immersing viewers in a time when technology was less prevalent and personal interactions were paramount. The cinematography by Dirk Brüel effectively captures the youthful energy and vibrant spirit of the characters, complemented by a lively soundtrack from Jeppe Kaas and Innocent Blood.

Kærlighed ved første hik's success led to a series of sequels, further exploring the endearing relationship between Anja and Viktor. This initial installment, however, remains a standout entry, capturing the innocence and excitement of young love.

In sum, Kærlighed ved første hik is a charming Danish teen comedy that successfully blends humor, romance, and relatable coming-of-age experiences. With its lovable characters, heartfelt performances, and witty storytelling, the film offers an enjoyable and nostalgic cinematic experience for audiences of all ages. Whether you're a fan of teen comedies or simply looking for a heartwarming and entertaining movie, Kærlighed ved første hik is definitely worth a watch.

Dennis Jürgensens "Kærlighed ved første hik" (along with "Hitchhikers'Guide to the Galaxy, which was also butchered when it was adopted to film)was one of the books that helped me survive the eighties. It was one of the only books that I could relate to at the time. When you are living in a suburb, a bit of a nerd and in love with the pretty girl in the class it's actually about your life. That's why I guess so many of us could relate to it. But seeing this great work savagely butchered made me sad. First of all it's not funny, it's miscast-ed and badly acted and badly adapted. You don't get any sort of chance to live yourself into the leading character and the portrayal of the youths is at best superficial. Well, maybe it's just my love for the book and the role it played for me as a t(w)eenager that has made me so disappointed, maybe the movie really IS funny and I have grown into a grumpy old man, but still...