Taglines: Any reason not to be?
Family is the most important thing in the world to Kaja. She is an eternal optimist in spite of living with a man who would rather go hunting with the boys, and who refuses to have sex with her because she “isn’t particularly attractive” anymore. Whatever. That’s Life.
But when “the perfect couple” moves in next door, Kaja struggles to keep her emotions in check. These new neighbors open a new world to Kaja with consequences for everyone involved. And when Christmas comes around, it becomes evident that nothing will ever be like before – even if Kaja tries her very best.
Winner of the World Cinema Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival, and an official selection at the Film Society of Lincoln Center’s New Directors / New Films Festival, Happy, Happy is a warm comedy from award-winning Norwegian filmmaker Anne Sewitsky. Happy, Happy is Norway’s official entry for Best Foreign Language Film for the 2011 Academy Awards.
Director’s Statement
I wanted to tell the story of an insistently happy person. No matter how hopeless and tragic the world may be, she smiles. Kaia lives through others, wants to be like everyone else, maybe for want of individual foundations. Her driving force becomes happiness; she’s made joy her survival strategy. – Anne Sewitsky
About the Story
The film tells the tale of two supposedly contented couples, where in truth, there are dark secrets of homosexuality and previous affairs. Kaja (the ‘Happy Happy’) has gone on her housewife affairs unbeknownst her loveless husband is gay. On the other hand, the couple that comes to visit in the guest house is apparently so happy happy as well, but the reality is there is no joint interest.
Matters take a turn for the worse or better when Sigve buys a ‘Couples Board Game’ and truths as to Eirik’s lack of knowledge for his wife’s intimacy coupled with a tension between Elisabeth and her husband are revealed. Kaja begins a passionate affair with Sigve, and Eirik likewise comes on to Sigve; however the passion in this case is not returned.
Happy, Happy
Directed by: Anne Sewitsky
Starring: Agnes Kittelsen, Joachim Rafaelsen, Maibritt Saerens, Henrick Rafaelsen, Heine Totland
Screenplay by: Ragnhild Tronvoll
Production Design by: Camilla Lindbråten
Cinematography by: Anna Myking
Film Editing by: Christoffer Heie
Costume Design by: Ellen Dæhlie Ystehede
Art Direction by: Camilla Lindbråten
Music by: Stein Berge Svendsen
MPAA Rating: R for sexual content including brief graphic nudity.
Studio: Magnolia Pictures
Release Date: September 16, 2011
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