Max Manus poster & wallpaper
Get movie widget Recommend it Add to Favorites

Aksel Hennie, Nicolai Cleve Broch, Agnes Kittelsen, Knut Joner, Christian Rubeck ... see more see more... , Ken Duken , Mats Eldøen , Viktoria Winge , Pål Sverre Hagen , Kyrre Haugen Sydness , Oliver Stokowski , Kjersti Holmen , Stig Henrik Hoff , Petter Naess

The Norwegian historical crusader Max Manus -- who lived from 1914 to 1996 -- retains household name status among Scandinavians for his acts of daunting courage during the Second World War, but curiou... read more read more...sly, few non-historians outside of Northern Europe have heard of him. This adventure epic from co-directors Joachim Roenning and Espen Sandberg (Bandidas) represents the first mainstream effort to dramatize Manus' efforts in feature form with elaborate re-creations of his heroic exploits. The bulk of the action spans April 9, 1940 through May 8, 1945, or the period of Nazi Germany's Norwegian occupation. Despite an almost complete lack of formal education, Max (Aksel Hennie) grows completely outraged when Norway falls to Germany and permits the presence of an occupying puppet government within two months. In response, Manus bands together with some other indignant Norwegians and promptly forms a resistance outfit known as the "Rognes Organization" -- a group dedicated to collecting weapons, disseminating anti-Nazi propaganda, and exuding a fighting spirit. Later, when Manus is captured by the Germans, he makes not one but two astonishing escapes from the clutches of the Nazis, with his life intact -- demonstrating, hands-down, that he has no fear. Following a period of saboteur training in Scotland, Manus -- incredibly -- slips right back into Norway, and commandeers a mission to sink Nazi supply ships in an Oslo harbor nighttime raid; though successful, it draws nasty acts of vengeance from a psychopathic Gestapo leader Sigfried Fehmer (Ken Duken) -- an event that turns Sigfried and Max into arch enemies with the bitterest hatred for one another. Manus' heroic efforts for the liberation of Norway continue undaunted, however. Thomas Nordseth-Tiller authored the screenplay, reportedly taking a slight degree of liberty with historical facts. ~ Nathan Southern, Rovi

Flixster Users

84% liked it

2,603 ratings

Critics

79% liked it

33 critics

Unrated, 1 hr. 58 min.

Directed by: Joachim Roenning, Espen Sandberg

Release Date: September 3, 2010

Invite friends to see

DVD Release Date: June 28, 2011

Stats: 299 reviews

report incorrect info

Photos

Max Manus Max Manus Max Manus Max Manus Max Manus Max Manus Max Manus Max Manus Max Manus Max Manus Max Manus Max Manus Max Manus Sten SMG Sten SMG
Upload a Photo | View All Max Manus Photos

Your Rating


clear rating

Flixster Reviews (299)

  • itsjustme2004
    April 30, 2012
    itsjustme2004
    Excellent movie about flawed, courageous people fighting oppression. Based on actual events in history. This film depicts the courage, and sacrifices, of those who fought against the tyranny of the Nazis. It is fitting to have a 21st century production telling the story of this b... read moreand of brave Norwegian fighters. Not only does it honor them, but it helps keep this important period of history alive for the a new generation. Very well done..
  • TheDudeLebowski65
    July 20, 2010
    TheDudeLebowski65
    Max Manus is a flawless portrait of one of Norway's greatest heroes in a time of need. Max Manus tells the story of Max Manus, a Norwegian Saboteur during the Second World War. In this film we get a look at the dangers and risks that Manus and his men had to undergo to fight the ... read moreGermans. The film is exciting and thrilling. One thing I admire of Foreign war films is how authentic the films are. The films are probably 97% accurate while Hollywood war films are about 50% accurate and the filmmakers take creative liberties to make it look interesting. With this film, you get the authenticity of the war and when Max and his men commit sabotage missions you feel tense as you are caught up in the story because of how accurate this film really is. A terrific war film that should be viewed by anyone interested in the unsung heroes of the war. Sabotage helped demoralize the Germans and this is the story of one of the most elusive Saboteurs during the German occupation of Norway.
  • LorenzoVonMatterhorn
    February 5, 2010
    LorenzoVonMatterhorn
    "My country was stolen from me, Sir... and I want it back."

    The true story about one of the most brilliant saboteurs during World War II and his battle to overcome his inner demons.

    REVIEW

    Th... read moree eponymous hero of Max Manus was one of the more notable Norwegian resistance fighters in World War II, operating out of Oslo. After the fighting stopped he survived quietly in business until 1996. He's a figure undoubtedly still generating national pride, perhaps explaining the high praise accorded the movie from local sources. That's not to say this is a bad film by any means, but ultimately Manus' biographical wartime experiences, at least as translated to screen here, play out as something of a Boy's Own adventure, rather than a ruthlessly honest warts-and-all biopic despite the hero's final drunken introspection and occasional doubts. It's a film where the participant's have-a-go attitude and laddish enthusiasm for adventure keeps the action flowing smoothly from one escapade to another, with courage under duress, noble sacrifices, love interest and final victory almost a given.

    Max Manus is staged with a confidence and with assured flow by its co-directors, and this, the most expensive Norwegian production to date is highly engaging. Adding considerably to this is the performance by Aksel Hennie as the hero; Hennie makes of him a very likable character, with convincing weaknesses and belief in his own mortality - a trait considerably humanising what could easily just become a nationalistic action figure. Towards the close of the movie, peace newly restored, this introspection comes to the fore as the surviving hero ponders his own moral culpability - even if the smile breaking out at the end of Max Manus for this viewer at least is less complex by way of implication than that which concludes, say, Once Upon A Time In America.
  • briandeguelle
    August 6, 2009
    briandeguelle
    What a crack'in war movie about one of norway's greatest war heroes.The movie is very detail,well shoot and carry a lots of depth to the story with great acting to boot.Given this is not a hollywood movie it certainly as a sweeping epic style about it, that only old wars carry.An... read mored if hollywood got hold of the story would certainly fuck it up and probably get tom cruise for lead role.....well thank god they did'nt!This is another great war movie i've seen in the pass 8 months the other being "female Agent"( which is french).If you like war movies that are good then check it out you will not be disappointed.
  • DrLappos
    June 23, 2009
    DrLappos
    As a true story I think it dealt with the inner and outer conflict that took place within the Norwegian society really well. Great movie, well paced and excellently written.
  • BenRogers84
    July 22, 2011
    BenRogers84
    Being part Norweigan and English...this movie made me feel a weird sense of pride. Taking place during the 1940s during the nazi's reign over europe, this tells the story of Max Manus, a norweigan soldier who's heroic spirit and actions helped defeat the nazi's hold on Norway. I ... read moreheard this was loose with the facts but it is a movie also so its made to be epic and full of action. This film delivers on both levels of epic awsomness and action. If you don't mind subtitles and love epic historical war movies set during world war 2 era, you'll love this.
  • kaynovin
    March 13, 2011
    kaynovin
    An intense, nail-biting caper and, in many ways, one of the best WWII-era dramas I've ever seen. As you fall in love with the complexity of its characters, you'll find yourself looking over your shoulders in paranoia that you'll be the next to be taken. Brilliant film, breathes e... read morentirely new life to the espionage story and World War II.
  • josiahguile
    July 16, 2010
    josiahguile
    This is the first great film i watched this decade! This movie is really intense, sad, badass, and at times very unpredictable. Everything a great world war 2 film should be.

    Max Manus is a war hero you have probably never heard of and that alone is reason enough to watch this ... read morefilm. The story is very inspiring and almost every character is relatable.

    Also this movie its beautifully filmed. Outdoor and indoor scenes alike are all lit so well and the camera work really helps you take it all in. This is not a Hollywood film so its not cursed with frustrating shaky-cam and other annoying American film making trends.

    I usually don't ever feel like re-watching a war movie right away but there is so much that I loved about this one that I feel I would not be doing it justice if I didn't re-watch it.
  • thereverendtholomewplague
    July 4, 2010
    thereverendtholomewplague
    The Norwegian Resistance...
    A great film indeed. Lots of detail. Very very intense, and not bad at all. Definitely a thrill and a good watch.

View All Max Manus Reviews

Critic Reviews

Walter V. Addiego
April 7, 2011
Walter V. Addiego, San Francisco Chronicle

A polished and large-scale production with some rousing action sequences, the movie is certainly watchable, though no one's going to call this exciting filmmaking. Full Review

Colin Covert
September 16, 2010
Colin Covert, Minneapolis Star Tribune

The film celebrates Max's fierce patriotism, but doesn't blink at the toll his heroics took. Full Review

Jeannette Catsoulis
September 3, 2010
Jeannette Catsoulis, New York Times

Has an old-fashioned sincerity that entertains without engaging. Full Review

Lou Lumenick
September 3, 2010
Lou Lumenick, New York Post

The destruction in Max Manus is elaborately staged by co-directors Espen Sandberg and Joachim Roenning... Full Review

Nick Pinkerton
August 31, 2010
Nick Pinkerton, Village Voice

An epic by Scandinavian standards, Manus's period re-creation is lavish-but the too-polished rental décor doesn't create a living past. Full Review

Stephen Cole
April 2, 2010
Stephen Cole, Globe and Mail

The film exhibits another flaw common to film biographies: Directors Espen Sandberg and Joachim Roenning seem more interested in making a shrine to (as opposed to a biography of) their war hero. Full Review

Jason Anderson
April 2, 2010
Jason Anderson, Toronto Star

The movie feels overly familiar even though the real-life story it tells is little known outside of Norway... Full Review

Peter Brunette
September 17, 2009
Peter Brunette, Hollywood Reporter

Solid and convincing, if pedestrian, World War II story that has its moments.

Michael Posner
September 14, 2009
Michael Posner, Globe and Mail

A fascinating, well-acted glimpse into a little known theatre of the war.

Joseph Jon Lanthier
September 6, 2010
Joseph Jon Lanthier, Slant Magazine

The Euro-cultural tradition of canonizing Nazi resisters has met few candidates as challenging as Max Manus, a Norwegian saboteur and key member of the ragtag-guerilla Oslo Gang. Full Review

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Cast

More Like This

Click a thumb to vote on that suggestion, or add your own suggestions.

  • Valkyrie
    Valkyrie (97%)
  • Black Book (Zwartboek)
    Black Book (Zwartboek) (100%)
  • Soldaat van Oranje (Soldier of Orange) (Survival Run)
    Soldaat van Oranje (Soldier of Orange) (Survi... (50%)
  • Flammen & Citronen (Flame & Citron) (The Flame and the Lemon)
    Flammen & Citronen (Flame & Citron) (The Flam... (100%)

More Movies like Max Manus

Facts

No facts approved yet. Be the first

Max Manus : Watch Free on TV

Movie Quizzes

No quizzes for Max Manus. Want to create one?

Video Clips

Upload a Video |

All Max Manus Videos

Meet Other Fans

Add Max Manus to favorites

Recent News

No recent headlines. Got one?

Recent Lists

Make a List |

View All Lists

Most Popular Skin

No skins yet. Interested in creating one?