The Giant (2016 film)

The Giant
Film poster
SwedishJätten
Directed byJohannes Nyholm
Written byJohannes Nyholm
Produced byMaria Dahlin
StarringChristian Andrén
CinematographyJohan Lundborg
Edited byMorten Højbjerg
Johannes Nyholm
Music byBjörn Olsson
Release dates
  • 9 September 2016 (2016-09-09) (TIFF)
  • 14 October 2016 (2016-10-14) (Sweden)
Running time
86 minutes
CountriesDenmark
Sweden
LanguageSwedish

The Giant (Swedish: Jätten) is a 2016 Danish-Swedish drama film directed by Johannes Nyholm.[1] It was selected to be screened in the Discovery section at the 2016 Toronto International Film Festival.[2] At the 52nd Guldbagge Awards the film won three Guldbagge Awards, Best Film, Best Screenplay and Makeup and Hair.[3]

Plot summary

Rikard, a 30-year-old man with a severe facial deformity and autism, has spent much of his life isolated in a care home. Despite his circumstances, he finds solace and purpose in the game of pétanque, where he shows surprising talent. Rikard dreams of reconnecting with his estranged mother, who rejected him when he was a child.

Throughout the film, his inner world is portrayed through the recurring vision of a protective giant who symbolizes his longing for acceptance and love. As Rikard pursues success in a national pétanque championship, he also struggles with feelings of abandonment and the hope of reconciliation with his mother. The story blends realism with fantasy, reflecting both the challenges of disability and the resilience of the human spirit.

Cast

  • Christian Andrén as Rikard
  • Johan Kylén as Roland
  • Anna Bjelkerud as Elisabeth
  • Linda Faith as Lina

References

  1. ^ "Goteborg: Indie Sales Acquires Johannes Nyholm's 'The Giant'". Variety. 5 September 2016. Retrieved 5 September 2016.
  2. ^ "The Giant". TIFF. 5 September 2016. Retrieved 5 September 2016.
  3. ^ DN.se Article on Dagens Nyheter. Retrieved 24 January 2016.