Magic Silver

Magic Silver is a Norwegian fantasy adventure family movie from 2009 co-directed by Roar Uthaug and Katarina Launing. The film stars child actors Ane Viola Semb and Johan Tinus Lindgren, and veteran Norwegian actor Finn Schau, among others. The film is an exciting blend of fantasy, drama, adventure, and a little pinch of comedy, making it an unforgettable viewing experience for both children and adults.

The film's story revolves around the magical and extraordinary world of gnomes who live in a village nestled deep inside a mountain. The village has been hidden from human view for centuries, thanks to the magic silver, a secret and powerful element found within the gnome realm. The main character is a young and curious gnome girl named Bluerose (played by Ane Viola Semb), who is destined to assume the role of the clan chief, succeeding her ailing father.

Unlike other gnomes, Bluerose possesses a spirit of rebellion, driven by an insatiable curiosity to explore the perimeters of her world. The gnome world has a single law: Do not leave the mountain during the daytime, for it robs the gnomes of their invisibility ability. However, it is this law that the inquisitive Bluerose ends up breaking, causing a catastrophe that throws their haven into eternal darkness.

Johan Tinus Lindgren portrays the character of Dreng, Bluerose's best friend. He assists Bluerose in this challenging journey that they must undertake to restore the light to their village. The duo's relationship evolves as they experience the adventures together, further strengthening their bond and warming the audiences' hearts.

Portrayed by Finn Schau, King Rufus acts as a wise and gracious ruler of the northern lights, who plays a crucial role in the storyline. The contrast between the tiny gnome world and the grandeur of King Rufus's kingdom is depicted majestically, creating a sort of paradox that captivates viewers.

What follows Bluerose's defiance of the community rule is a tangle of events filled with suspense, thrilling moments, drama, and heroic feats. The film showcases themes of courage, friendship, determination, and leadership, as Blumerose, with the support of her friends, embarks on a risky journey to reverse the damage she inadvertently caused.

The cinematography of Magic Silver offers some dazzling visuals that add to the enchanting narrative. The film uses a mix of real locations and CGI to bring to life the mountainous terrain that houses the gnome civilization, the wild forests filled with unknown dangers, and the majestic Northern lights.

One of the highlights of Magic Silver is its role in capturing and showcasing the essence of Norwegian folklore, especially its utilization of a staple element of indigenous Scandinavian fairy tales: gnomes. Known locally as Nisse, these mythical creatures are often depicted in Norwegian and Scandinavian folklore as being shy, mischievous, but inherently well-meaning.

The depth and complexity of the characters, especially of the protagonist Bluerose, makes the movie a delightful watch. Despite her small stature and young age, Bluerose showcases extraordinary grit and bravery as she navigates through the adventure. The movie also subverts traditional gender roles by having Bluerose preparing to take on the chiefly responsibilities generally bestowed upon male gnomes.

Magic Silver is more than just a children’s fantasy plot; it is a film filled with lessons of bravery, friendship, and accountability, wrapped up in beautiful imagery. It's a nostalgic throwback to classic fairy tales but with a modern twist, making it a unique and entertaining experience for the entire family. The captivating storyline, blended with a charismatic cast, makes Magic Silver an enduring and memorable film.