Cast: Anders Danielson Lie, Frank Robert, Elisabeth Sand, Bjorn Floberg
Director: Erik Gustavson
Producer: Petter J. Borgli
Screenplay: Lars Saabye Christensen
Cinematography: Kjell Vassdal
Music: Randall Meyers
U.S. Distributor: RKO Pictures
In Norwegian with English Subtitles
Herman (Anders Danielson Lie) is not much different from most 11-year old boys, but he's a loner, and that makes him the recipient of his classmates' taunts and his teachers' scorn. A warm home life counterbalances his school difficulties. His parents (Elisabeth Sand and Bjorn Floberg) are both caring people who make time in their busy lives for their son. Herman's grandfather (Frank Robert), an aging man with a kind heart and an engaging disposition, is more of a friend than a relative. However, Herman's life is about to take a turn for the worse. After visiting the barber one day, he discovers that he has alopecia areata, a skin disease that, while not fatal or dangerous, will cause him to lose all his hair.
Going bald is undoubtedly a traumatic event for someone just out of his first decade of life, but the lack of any palpable threat to Herman's health makes it difficult for us to generate great sympathy for his condition. It's unfortunate, but not a tragedy. However, Herman becomes so morose and despondent about losing his hair that we begin to view him more as a whiner than someone undergoing a difficult time.
Despite some apparently-lofty thematic goals, this lugubrious film frequently stumbles. Herman isn't engrossing or compelling, and it never clearly defines what it wants to say. Eventually, for those who are patient, it's possible to determine that the movie is presenting the picture of a young boy who isn't afraid to be unusual, and who eventually overcomes his problems through a strong sense of individuality. Unfortunately, the film takes an inordinate amount of time getting the message across, undoubtedly losing viewers in the process. Herman is also about family loyalty and unconditional love, two very common motion picture themes.
For those who like straightforward villains, several of the kids in Herman's class fit the bill. They do all the things that bullies do to smaller children -- make fun of them, intimidate them, and steal their things. Only one fellow classmate, a lively redheaded girl named Ruby, shows any kindness or friendship. In the end, she plays a part in Herman's "salvation", while all the bad kids are punished. This aspect of the story is fairly trivial.
Although Herman attempts to be another My Life as a Dog, it doesn't come close. That film has an emotional impact. We are drawn into the characters' lives and situations. On the other hand, Herman keeps us at too great a distance. There are occasional flashes of genuine insight, but nothing lasting. In the end, instead of a rich, emotionally-satisfying motion picture experience, this movie turns out to be a dud.
© 1993 James Berardinelli