Movie-Kitchen Stories

A small foreign movie, Kitchens Stories is odd, but heartfelt. It does not try to accomplish too much, but sticks to what it is, namely, a story about friendship.

This 2004 film from Norway is set in the 50's, and is about a Swedish research firm doing observational research to make the optimal kitchen. For the current study, the researchers go into the homes of single men in Norway to observe how they use their kitchen. There is to be no talking between observer and observee.

But the rules break down between one pairing, two older men, both alone. While in the beginning they resent and distrust each other, that breaks down and becomes a friendship that is defining.

It is not a comedy per se, but has elements that make you smile. Nor is it a drama in any real sense. But it does have its own charm. The film won many European and film festival awards, and it is because it did not need to be epic in any sense. Just a warm hearted film, that does not overplay its hand, and allows itself to tell a single story, to good effect.