Christmas as Usual (2023) User Reviews

Norwegian jul is a thing

[amund-gjersoe-524-930199 · 6/10 · 9 December 2023]

Funny view on culture crash between Norway and the outside world.

Remember that there are only 5 million Norwegians, and Jul and May 17 are days where we are focused on our traditions. Our ways are a bit strange.

Jashan is representing the outside world. Nothing to do with his nationality specifically.

As a Norwegian I felt this made me think of how hung up we are on our traditions.

25% of our population migrated to USA in the late 1800s. For those left it was a crisis and the national romanticism started in Norway. Bunad, Jul tradition and more were important when rebuilding our nation's self esteem.

Obnoxious, though not boring

[120watts · 5/10 · 9 December 2023]

Thea was the only moderately redeemable character of the lot (and I guess the kid). I actually kind of hoped she would just run away from this circus of clowns, each of whom brought the fine viewers a rich palette of personality characteristics, ranging from the mildly disagreeable to the stupidly obnoxious.

Her finance Jashan... you ask someone off-hand to marry you and don't get an enthusiastic "yes;" then you show up at her family's doorstep during the holidays and start judging their traditions and imposing your own? I mean, I may not be up on all the latest trends, but am I meant to be told that a little self-awareness has gone out of style? What a pathetic rube, sorry!

Now, the mom. What kind of a bizarre household does she lead here? Am I missing something, or should you be way more understanding of a stranger not eating your bizarre delicacies, and way less accepting of someone using your kitchen or getting in a brawl? I mean, he's from another country not another planet. Just use some common sense!

As for the family and the ex - let me think... vapid, dim-witted, petty. These are a few words that come to mind. Okay, I did laugh at a couple of Simen's one-liners.

Overall, I get that they were trying to play on the culture clash thread (a genius ploy, as I don't recall this ever having been tried before). Unfortunately, everything else - from the interest level of the plot to the elemental reasonableness of the characters - was subjugated to these awkward tropes and cheap laughs. Of course, I'm sure this was always intended as a light comedy, and it was at least successful at not being a total bore.

I guess the part that saddens me is that it felt like maybe the filmmakers saw themselves as in on the joke - like "let's at least all agree that all these antiquated cultural norms are kind of a laugh." Cultural traditions can get stale, yes, but they are vectors for common values, belonging, depth, meaning, unity, and relationships. If these Netflix producers think they are mostly a punchline, then, I guess I pity them even more than their bumbling characters.

Could have been better

[seyiode · 5/10 · 8 December 2023]

I would have given this a 2 but since it's based on a real life story, it's understandable that's there was little wiggle room in script writing.

Jashan didnt seem to demonstrate emotional intelligence and respect with his actions. He's painted as the victim meanwhile, criticizing everything they did and trying to change traditions without learning about them or building connections.

Thea definitely could have communicated more and prepared Jashan for the trip

Anyway, if this was how it really played out (I hope it wasn't), I'm sure the real couple would agree they could have handled the situation better.

So much second-hand embarrassment

[bagamerifanni · 2/10 · 8 December 2023]

I had to turn this film off halfway through it gave me so much second-hand embarrassment.

Then I started reading the reviews here and that made it even worse - are people seriously blaming Jashan, the lead character's Indian boyfriend saying that he's 'playing the victim' and is destroying family tradition?

Get a grip people, the whole film is just so full of micro aggressions towards this poor man (from people saying his traditional Indian food smells bad to people literally GASPING when they see him) I felt awful watching this.

Thea is possibly the worst character I've seen in a romcom in a while, just letting his fiancee get bullied, ridiculed and left out (they all speak English yet choose to speak Norwegian around him which is just awful) and yet she never says a word. She also doesn't tell Jashan about their family traditions - in one scene everyone is wearing the same Christmas jumper except for Jashan, which could easily have been remedied by Thea thinking ahead and buying an extra for Jashan. She also HIDES her engagement ring at the start of the movie when she senses that her mum will be less than accepting towards her Indian boyfriend which is just awful and speak volumes of her character.

This is the nightmare scenario of every interracial couple. Do not watch unless you like second-hand embarrassment and racism.

Norwegian with Indian girlfriend

[Pjukten123 · 7/10 · 11 December 2023]

As Norwegian with Indian girlfriend watched this movie and found it hillerious both of us.

I relly relate to the "Its christmas" statement. And from my point of view many Norwegians behaves like this st christmas times. Everything has to be as its always been. And my Indian girlfriend related with the Indian main character for being to loud in an norwegian setting.

I feel like this wasnt about racism it was about cultural differences and gow difficult it can be atleast in big events as christmas.

Even tho the storyline wassnt the best i still find it really funny and i recommend watching it.

Yeah. Okay. Fine. NOPE!

[chand-suhas · 3/10 · 10 December 2023]

The cultural clash awaits as newly engaged Jashan and Thea fly to Norway to her family for celebrating Christmas. She hasn't informed her family about Jashan being an Indian, not even his full name and she wants to have a perfect Christmas celebration to find the right time to break the announcement. But his family is not nice towards Jashan with her ex boyfriend living next door to make couple of crucial moments complicated and she doesn't think preparing Jashan or giving him an heads up was necessary. Will she have her Christmas and save her love story forms rest of the story.

It's the age old love story of two people from different parts of the world, falling in love and one of them trying to fit into the world of the other. The problem is how one toned the characters are, giving little chance to empathize with any of them. Things keep getting hard for Jashan and what follows next was intended to be funny but it did not evoke any laughter. Limited India to the population count and spicy food was also not in good taste. Now characters can be self centered, but the narrative has to be balanced which wasn't the case here. This just didn't give enough to root for Thea as the film only succeeded in making me feel sad and sad for Jashan.

Why would you pack a kurta while travelling to Norway for Christmas?

To be seen in its original version!

[Submik · 7/10 · 17 December 2023]

"Så var det jul igjen" is an outstanding film that demands to be seen in its original language. This Norwegian movie brilliantly navigates the complexities of Christmas traditions, presenting them in a light that is both humorous and insightful. The film introduces a cultural shock that, contrary to initial expectations, is remarkably believable and well-executed. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I laughed, having braced myself for a cliché and uninspiring holiday movie. Instead, what I found was a delightful blend of wit and charm that breathes new life into the often predictable genre of Christmas films. This movie is a hidden gem that deserves a wider audience.

Pure Embarrassment!!

[shradha463 · 1/10 · 9 December 2023]

I'm Indian, and my partner is Swedish. I was quite excited to start watching this movie. Thirty minutes into the movie, the Indian character has no social awareness, and the Norwegian family being completely obnoxious. I don't know what this woman sees in this man. The man is not even trying to accommodate her culture, he's a guest at their home. He's not considerate, not trying to follow the traditions. Cooking spicy food, just because he eats it spicy ?! My point is what is with this love story? She needs to dump this guy. Not because he's Indian, purely because he's a Dumbass, who is self centred and has no respect for her culture. Smh, take this movie down! I'm embarrassed.

What'd you expect?

[paulomig · 6/10 · 10 December 2023]

It's a Christmas movie. Just like hundreds of them. You expect to have a good time, drop some laughs from the awkwardness and that's all. We cannot always expect "Love Actually".

And for the people who thinks that's awful and makes sense and the characters are not believable... come one, it says right at the beginning that is a true story!

Most of the characters have ridiculous situations and apart from artistic freedom, thinking that some of them happened to the real "Shazam" and Thea... well, I can relate. Mothers in law and unfitting can be like that.

So, it's not Love Actually as said before but also it is not mass production Christmas's Walmart movies.

Not good, Netflix messed this one up

[princessandthepeabody · 2/10 · 11 December 2023]

Jashan is over the top obnoxious as is most of this cast. Everyone is so flat, or uninteresting, or just mean. Jashan is like a bull in a china shop, he is wholly self unaware, doesn't bring much to the table. Nothing likable about his overbearing character. I was rooting for the girl to dump him. The Norwegian family is wholly inflexible and just not likable at all from the start. There is no chemistry between the two main characters. This may be technically a Christmas movie, but there is no warmth or real affection, especially at the end of the movie where they try to wrap it into a nice little funny love fest package, but it fails miserably. They could have called this Skunk, because-yes it's a stinker. Could have been better, writing was awful.

A good movie, a depiction of narrow-mindedness

[robinheadi · 9/10 · 9 December 2023]

I think this is nicely "rugged" for a Christmas movie. It depicts really well how internalized racism can be and it also represents the difficulties that a grown-up person can have with their parents.

Thea is a modern person living abroad with her Indian boyfriend, but her family still lives in a small town in Norway and they are really prejudiced. When she comes home to celebrate Christmas she has to stand her mother's attempts to make things "normal" again, aka her getting conveniently back together with a boy next door.

She feels an inner conflict that she is unable to speak of, neither to her future husband or her family. She is embarrassed to tell Jashan that her families prejudices exist, so she tries to act normal to him. Simultaneously she tries to please her family and keep their Christmas "perfect", thinking that this will help them accept Jashan.

But eventually she learns that communication is the key to acceptance.

I think some of the reviewers might have misunderstood the movie a bit. The movie is an accurate depiction of narrow-mindedness that still does exist, unfortunately, and it is not supposed to me pleasing to watch.

A mixed bag

[mieriks · 6/10 · 28 December 2023]

This movie, about Thea who is going to her rural hometown to celebrate a classic Norwegian Christmas with her family, is an okay comedy movie.

It's not a movie you should take seriously because it's silly in several ways, which is not a bad thing. It contains mostly funny actors and elements that tries to give the audience some laughs. I admit that I'm not satisfied with Ida Ursun-Holm's (as Thea Evjen) performance. She doesn't do bad, but I feel like she's trying too hard, like she's trying to become a popular Hollywood actress who speaks perfect American English. I cringe most of the time because she acts very cheesy, but I also think that's because of the directing and script in general. It doesn't feel natural sometimes. The movie also has some pacing issues and it varies from being funny to boring fourth and back where it also can get confusing if the movie actually is a silly or a serious comedy, or maybe a mixed one. However, there are characters in the movie that use their part to entertain, especially the protagonist Thea Evjen's brother, Simen Evjen, who is just like the actor, Erik Follestad, in real life himself. So overall, this is a mixed bag.

Certainly, this movie delivers some humorous moments and entertaining characters, but it falters due to pacing issues and a somewhat inconsistent tone. The over-the-top performance of Ursin-Holm, coupled with the uneven direction and script, detracts from the overall experience. While the movie's charm lies in its lightheartedness and cultural clashes, a stronger focus on naturalism and a clearer genre identity could have elevated it from a mixed bag to a more cohesive and enjoyable comedy experience.

Just Really Bad

[adeanpugel · 1/10 · 9 December 2023]

Not a single likable character in the movie - they are either obnoxious, rude, bigoted, and/or just plain stupid. I genuinely couldn't figure out if some of the scenes were meant to be comedic or not. I don't recall cracking a smile even one single time while watching it. The plot is old and boring and has been done before (and done much better) and was full of unfunny weird stereotypes for this day and age. It was so bad that I had to turn it off about half way through. And that says a lot because I've watched plenty of crappy Christmas movies. Would not recommend to anyone, it's a big waste of time.

Watch it if you want to feel second hand embarrassment!

[nidhipersonal · 3/10 · 9 December 2023]

I watched the movie with very high hopes but ended up being highly disappointed. It is a lost opportunity and I feel it would probably offend people from both the countries. I am Indian and no, we don't behave like Jashan. His character was downright rude and obnoxious. I felt the Secondhand embarassment throughout. Thea's family was equally hostile towards Jashan. Eventually it was a mess where no-one could evoke any sympathy! I think the only likeable characters were the child and her mother. The last 5 minutes of the movie were good. Rest of the movie is completely directionless in my opinion.

Typical obnoxious, self centered Indian guy

[ronitnitish · 6/10 · 18 December 2023]

As a Indian, felt so annoyed by jashan character with no manners at all, when calling on phone speak so loudly, not respecting other people culture, brining masala and putting on food (can't even adjust or try other cuisine), bringing kurta and spices, when he need follow Norway culture. Actress was very kind even after that annoying beheviour she ran to airport.

Ending part where running to airport is copied bollywood movie only difference usually actor runs to airport for girl but here girl runs.

Overall, movie try to show how the conflicts in culture happens and may be this could be real story as well.

Horrible

[anidroid-16055 · 1/10 · 7 December 2023]

It is stereotypical, degrading and annoying.

I can't believe Kannan Gill agreed to act in such a movie.

Not all Indian men are dying to get married, so obnoxious or oblivious to people around him.

Who goes to a stranger's house and starts calling them "mamma"? Who goes into your guests kitchen and cooks a full blown meal? Jash living outside India should be well aware of the spice level of non-Indians. It is ridiculous.

And that scene where he is sneezing and wiping his nose in the church. He is not 2 years old. Absolutely gross.

How about the main female lead not talking when required or not communicating properly either with her family or boyfriend.

The movie is absolutely annoying and makes no sense.

It pictures it as it is

[valfedox · 7/10 · 8 January 2024]

Differences in tradition often clash without possibility of clarifying explanations: if I explain it to you I become condescending, if I don't I am insensitive to your needs. The movie therefore is honest in showing the uncrossable chasm between different traditions. It is easy to sugarcoat and make homogeneous in Hollywood. Let's say the director chooses to tell it as it is: without invoking the big R, no one is either bad or good, but simply used and habituated to his/her past education and customs, and unaware of how different is different, how your feeling of being misunderstood is equaled yo your misunderstanding of others. This is intellectual honesty, partially diluted by a happy ending.

Bad and sad

[varpen-67831 · 2/10 · 8 December 2023]

As a Norwegian, this was hard to watch for many reasons. The main male lead has little to no respect for the culture he is brought into and is very ignorant. The main female character seems just plain dumb for not preparing her fiance and I wish she would explain some of her family's traditions instead of just referring to them as "just a part of the tradition". Traditions in all cultures have their reasons for existing and in most cases can be rationalized in some way or another. Its sad that this movie is mainly based around cultural conflict without setting a stage for how to properly solve such issues.

The indian guy is funny in Norway

[mihaisorinp · 6/10 · 9 December 2023]

Ok, many indians commenting here are frustrated that the indian guy is put in a situation and that he doesnt understand how a civilised and clean country works. He thinks is still in india but this is not the case.

The indian guy is a funny guy and put him in a ridiculos situations that finally he doesn't understand norwigian christhmas customs and spoil all the cristmas athmospehre by trying to fit in it is funny as hell. I didn't like the end actually the indian guy should go home and not come back, actually because he doesn't belong in that culture that is well above what is he used to in india.

An Embarrassment to watch as an Indian living abroad

[sahilkhurana_ · 3/10 · 1 January 2024]

I don't usually review movies but this was just a disaster. I genuinely thought it would be a nice European Christmas movie with an Indian character, the idea seemed so exciting as an Indian who lives in the west and enjoys the Christmas time. This however turned out to be a complete disappointment. As if we as Indians abroad are not already burdened by all the stereotyping, this just added to that and sought to leverage it for comedizing. Jashan's character is an embarrassment to every Indian. It's not that hard to appreciate the culture of others as the movie makes it seem, his girlfriend is very patient irl she would've dumped him immediately and nobody would've blamed her. I get that her family wasn't perfect either (racist too at times) but at least they tried to be accepting. How would an Indian family feel if a Norwegian girl tried to overrule Diwali albeit not intentionally. It's not even like in the movie she's not telling him that he is messing things up but he goes on to do dumb stuff over and over again. I'm sorry but I felt nothing but embarrassment from this. There was so much potential from the cast and the setting, locations, and cultural factors but no the writer decided to cherrypick the most bizarre things that could be found and put them on display. I am giving 3 stars for the Norwegian landscape. Just a big missed oppurtunity. Please don't make such movies, we already are stereotyped enough.

Loved it!

[anjusunil-06718 · 9/10 · 10 December 2023]

I loved it. Kannan gill is such a talented actor. Being an Indian Christian, I think I can really help with the reviews. I agree the movie was borderline offensive but I feel most parts of it were believable. If people can keep their emotions aside and just look at it as only a feel good movie, I feel they'll really love it. It was offensive to both Norwegians and Indians alike but maybe this might be close to the real thing. I loved the acting of the entire cast, the dialogues, Norway is so so so beautiful. Thank you ps hulsen for creating this beautiful movie and sharing your culture with us. We need more of these.

Cute Christmas RomCom

[lakings97 · 6/10 · 29 December 2023]

Christmas As Usual is a Netflix movie and our 7th Christmas themed film of 2023. This is based on a true love story between an Indian man played by Kansan Gill and a Norwegian woman played by Ida Ursin-Holm. They are true life partners and they travel together to Norway to experience her family's culture. She does not mention to her family that they were engaged to get married. Of course their cultures clash and each learn from their heritage through their customs and food. The film is predictable, but the editing could have been better. Overall it was a good cute story but nothing new. I would watch it once and forget about it.

I felt embarrassed that Jashan was from my country !!

[ltcdrjagannath · 2/10 · 10 January 2024]

I don't know the purpose behind writing the character of Jashan, played by Kanan Gill, the way it was written. But he was rude and obnoxious and judgemental !!

I hated him the whole movie and would have slapped him if he was for real !!

All the through the movie his character keeps whining and complaining. He has ZERO respect for other's cultures and single handedly spoils the reputation of his own Culture.

I wish the movie was a bit of on the grey area and focussed on the differences. It would have been a great movie. Rather it portrayed Kanan as an idiot. If he doesn't like other cultures then he should marry a desi !!

Romcom without the rom or comedy

[DrCCat · 1/10 · 14 December 2023]

The good: The costumes was the only positive aspect of the movie.

The bad: the acting was sub par, the main character has zero self awareness. For example: in the church the guy starts sneezing loud enough to be heard in Iceland, doesn't even try to cover his mouth. He eventually gets up and goes outside, then begins shouting on his phone at the top his lungs. The director can't get enough of the close ups. The cringe worthy racism reminded me of an 80's after school movie. The spicy food scene was predictable and unfunny. Seriously, what made him think the Norwegian family would be used to spicy food? Again, zero self awareness. Though I do have one question: where did he buy those strong spices? Even the outdoor scenes were bland, like the acting.

The ugly: watch this if you want to know how not to make a romcom, otherwise avoid it. I enjoy cheesy Christmas themed romcoms, this movie didn't have either.

Meet the Fockers, Norway edition

[kevinbgn · 7/10 · 22 December 2023]

Similar plot and story with a Norwegian angle, perhaps. If you're not Norwegian or familiar with the culture, many of the jokes will be lost on you. As an American with a Norwegian wife whose lived in Norway for 14 years, I could relate to Jashan somewhat. Of course everything is a bit exaggerated but that's comedy. Of course the cultural differences are played up but it's based on some real things too.

Fitting into a new family even without the challenges of a cross cultural element can be challenging. And holidays are good fodder for odd food and strange traditions.

This story even had the ex component which was also a theme in Meet the Fockers.

All in all, we enjoyed it.