I read about this movie in a Norwegian newspaper while they were filming in Bergen, and got my hopes up because I thought they would do Norway right. They did not! The Christmas traditions is accurate, but why would they not use a single Norwegian actor when they were filming here? Everyone who was supposed to be Norwegian sounded German, their pronunciations were so bad it was very cringe to watch. The houses looked nothing like Norwegian houses, on the outside or inside. And finally it was less Christmasy than I would have thought and hoped, seeing as we usually have lots and lots of snow during Christmas. Should have been filmed during Christmas for real, and released next year instead. But as a Hallmark movie, the plot was good, and not as cliche as normal.
76 Reviews
This Was a Good One
LoveStallion3 December 2023
Warning: Spoilers
I liked "My Norwegian Holiday." It may be Hallmark fare, but thankfully, this one avoided most of the classic tropes. There was no big city gal reconnected with her rural roots. No aloof d-bag boyfriend and hunky ex back home. Not even the classic misunderstanding or withheld information to drive conflict in the third act.
No, this film is much more straightforward, and it's better for it. I found both leads likable overall, and the supporting cast was solid.
I'm going to assume either the Bergen or Norwegian tourism board funded the movie, because aside from the on-location shooting, the characters are ever so slightly too inclined to share numerous tidbits of Norwegian culture, and the camera often lingers on certain activities longer than is natural to show off (the krumkake making stuck out).
But whatever, this was a good movie about connecting with new roots and discovering new family and new traditions. And I loved that there wasn't some big, contrived drama to overcome in the end. It all felt more organic as a result.
No, this film is much more straightforward, and it's better for it. I found both leads likable overall, and the supporting cast was solid.
I'm going to assume either the Bergen or Norwegian tourism board funded the movie, because aside from the on-location shooting, the characters are ever so slightly too inclined to share numerous tidbits of Norwegian culture, and the camera often lingers on certain activities longer than is natural to show off (the krumkake making stuck out).
But whatever, this was a good movie about connecting with new roots and discovering new family and new traditions. And I loved that there wasn't some big, contrived drama to overcome in the end. It all felt more organic as a result.
A merry Norwegian Christmas.
allmoviesfan3 December 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Hallmark movies are at their very best when they step outside the box and do something a little different from the norm. With Christmas movies, that means moving away from the 'return to a small town' trope, and other similar ones.
'My Norwegian Holiday' is a perfect example of this.
Filmed on location (which always adds a certain gravitas to the movie) in Bergen, with a very good cast and more than the odd bit of Norwegian dialogue, Australia's Rhiannon Fish stars as Jessica Johnson aka JJ a Minnesota native who runs into a Norwegian (Henrik Strom, played by David Elsendoorn) and ends up - through a decidedly unlikely coincidence, but let's look past that - following him to Bergen for Christmas. She has a troll, handed down from her grandmother, and wants to find out it's history.
When JJ isn't discovering more about her family history (some of it shocking - another unlikely coincidence that we'll look past,) she is falling in love with Henrik, who has his own demons to overcome.
Beautiful scenery, plenty of Norwegian flavour, good acting and a nice festive romance.
A very good Hallmark Christmas movie. More like this please, Hallmark!
'My Norwegian Holiday' is a perfect example of this.
Filmed on location (which always adds a certain gravitas to the movie) in Bergen, with a very good cast and more than the odd bit of Norwegian dialogue, Australia's Rhiannon Fish stars as Jessica Johnson aka JJ a Minnesota native who runs into a Norwegian (Henrik Strom, played by David Elsendoorn) and ends up - through a decidedly unlikely coincidence, but let's look past that - following him to Bergen for Christmas. She has a troll, handed down from her grandmother, and wants to find out it's history.
When JJ isn't discovering more about her family history (some of it shocking - another unlikely coincidence that we'll look past,) she is falling in love with Henrik, who has his own demons to overcome.
Beautiful scenery, plenty of Norwegian flavour, good acting and a nice festive romance.
A very good Hallmark Christmas movie. More like this please, Hallmark!
Not your usual Hallmark
bryanmcallister4 December 2023
We all know the formula; won't repeat it here. This movie does not follow that formula. No old boyfriends/girlfriends, no misinterpreted intentions causing someone to walk out about 20 minutes from the end (only to come back and live happily ever after). No, there is a different story here that contains a mystery and a gradual sense by the characters of discovering where they belong and with whom they should be. It's a great story, good acting by new faces, and wonderful scenery in Norway (a great place for filming a Christmas story!). The only problem was that I wanted to the story to continue (maybe a sequel?). Good work by Hallmark on this one!
Thoroughly Enjoyable, Fresh, Fun and Realistic
cincy-479833 December 2023
First off - yes, this was a Hallmark Christmas movie but there were absolutely zero typical Halmarkisms here. If I were playing the Hallmark drinking game I would have lost (or stayed sober) as no cliche scenes or moments were put into the film.
The cast, all of them, were great and worked well together. Also, having Bergen as the location added quite a bit. Often, these movies filmed abroad work better than their USA-Canada counterparts. Not sure why, but they just seem fresher.
This was a quality production from start to end and kudos to the acting and production talent. Oh, and this is a biggie - this was rare Hallmark movie which actually wrapped up the story for all characters and we weren't left hanging and wondering how things would work out. Nicely done.
The cast, all of them, were great and worked well together. Also, having Bergen as the location added quite a bit. Often, these movies filmed abroad work better than their USA-Canada counterparts. Not sure why, but they just seem fresher.
This was a quality production from start to end and kudos to the acting and production talent. Oh, and this is a biggie - this was rare Hallmark movie which actually wrapped up the story for all characters and we weren't left hanging and wondering how things would work out. Nicely done.
A decent Hallmark holiday movie.
Avidviewer-028473 December 2023
Set in Norway, but not with a Norwegian cast. This is the first Rhiannon Fish film I've seen where she's not annoying, the Australian actress does a fairly good job. Her co-lead is the Dutch actor David Elsendoorn who played Jan Maas in the series "Ted Lasso", he's always good.
This is again another movie that thankfully doesn't have a female lead who owns her own business usually interior design, dressmaker or other similar occupation or she's up for a lifechanging job promotion or she developed a dating or other stupid app. The script wasn't bad, but not the best Hallmark movie I've seen. The location was nice, in Bergen, Norway.
This is again another movie that thankfully doesn't have a female lead who owns her own business usually interior design, dressmaker or other similar occupation or she's up for a lifechanging job promotion or she developed a dating or other stupid app. The script wasn't bad, but not the best Hallmark movie I've seen. The location was nice, in Bergen, Norway.
Norwegian actors woud have helped
jeanett_kristin12 December 2023
As a Norwegian I'm feeling a little offended. Norwegians would not have acted this way towards Henrik. So many things about Norwegian traditions are wrong, and they couldn't even get Norwegian actors, even though they filmed in Norway. If they hadn't gotten so much wrong about Norwegian culture and had used some Norwegian actors I really do think I would have liked the film. But the mistakes are just too glearing to me, it took all my focus. (Also; geography always bothers me when American films take on Europe. Why would they walk around Bergen with alpine skis when the nearest slope is a couple of hours away.)
Yes! Great movie!
TammyMiddletonPhotography2 December 2023
Yes, Hallmark, you got this one right!
This movie was so different from the normal cliche movies.
No templates here. A different story line, beautiful and precious. I admit, I cried several times.
Acting was superb and believable. Sweet and subtle personalities that grow on you, and not right in your face.
Scenery was absolutely beautiful, without going overboard, very natural. Makes you want to visit Norway. I liked how the customs were gradually introduced by the characters.
If you want to watch a movie, to make you laugh, make you cry, and make you remember ... then watch this one!
Time well spent.
This movie was so different from the normal cliche movies.
No templates here. A different story line, beautiful and precious. I admit, I cried several times.
Acting was superb and believable. Sweet and subtle personalities that grow on you, and not right in your face.
Scenery was absolutely beautiful, without going overboard, very natural. Makes you want to visit Norway. I liked how the customs were gradually introduced by the characters.
If you want to watch a movie, to make you laugh, make you cry, and make you remember ... then watch this one!
Time well spent.
This was a bit of alright
akiwigirl2 December 2023
An actual plot line - Hallmark can do it - I was beginning to doubt it.
I like this film. The setting was special. I travelled through Norway about 20 years ago and so know Bergen a little. Such a lovely city and Norway has such an unique interesting culture and I thought this film showcased it beautifully.
Of the acting; I love the character of Nora she was fun and I loved watching her dance with Henrik. I know Rhiannon from Home and Away so to have her rock up in Hallmark films has been a transition cos she has tended to play the exact same character in every film she has been in which feels staid, however is her best thus far.
The meet cute was ridiculous but I liked Henrik and JJ together they were sweet. All in all a nice way to waste away a few hours.
I like this film. The setting was special. I travelled through Norway about 20 years ago and so know Bergen a little. Such a lovely city and Norway has such an unique interesting culture and I thought this film showcased it beautifully.
Of the acting; I love the character of Nora she was fun and I loved watching her dance with Henrik. I know Rhiannon from Home and Away so to have her rock up in Hallmark films has been a transition cos she has tended to play the exact same character in every film she has been in which feels staid, however is her best thus far.
The meet cute was ridiculous but I liked Henrik and JJ together they were sweet. All in all a nice way to waste away a few hours.
Not what I expected
IanHaymton25 December 2023
Warning: Spoilers
My Norwegian Holiday was surprisingly good, I really enjoyed it (and that's not because I'm biased, as I'm a Norwegian myself).
I expected this to be another B-movie, you know; this kinda' typical cheesy, romantic, overacted and dramatic Christmas movies that's full of cliches, like the ones that's overplayed on the television channels throughout December. But no, this movie took a solid step away from all that, which made the movie refreshingly hard to predict. And by doing that, I gladly accepted the few familiar romantic moment it had.
Though the way JJ, our main character, ends up in Norway is can be debated, the story is otherwise heartwarming and interesting. It portrayed love in its different shapes, forms and ways, not just between two people. And here's where this movie stands out a little from the crowd. The writer and director of this story and movie doesn't just take an overused love story, changes its appearance and scenery and just sends it off, hoping it'll make it out there. Besides the usual love between a man and a woman, the focus of this movie is set elsewhere.
Without loosing focus of the love between the couple, it almost happens naturally in the background, while another kind of love takes its rightful place in front. I felt the focus was set on love for a country, a love for a culture and a city, but most of all on the unbreakable love between family and friends, both living and the ones who've passed away. And alongside all this, we get to see our main character named JJ discover new sides of both a country and its population, gets to discover new sides of herself and her family.
There's only one thing I have to point out. This may not be that obvious or even detectable to foreigners, but since I'm a born and raised Norwegian myself, there's one thing that's dragging this movie a bit down for me, and that is that they didn't use Norwegian actors and actresses to play Norwegians in this movie. Now, I can except the our main male character Henrik moved to America, and by living there over some years could had an impact on his language, and maybe made his Norwegian language a bit rusty. But it's quite odd that his family in Bergen, who is said to be fully Norwegians, all speaks Norwegian with an American accent, and otherwise near flawless American with a hint of an made up accent. Even this supposed "Norwegian" girl singing "Santa Lucia" is clearly an American actor trying to sing in Norwegian. I just don't buy it.
It doesn't ruin the movie, at least not for me, and I don't know how difficult or expensive it is to get a Norwegian actors and extras, but it would've made a huge difference had they done it.
I expected this to be another B-movie, you know; this kinda' typical cheesy, romantic, overacted and dramatic Christmas movies that's full of cliches, like the ones that's overplayed on the television channels throughout December. But no, this movie took a solid step away from all that, which made the movie refreshingly hard to predict. And by doing that, I gladly accepted the few familiar romantic moment it had.
Though the way JJ, our main character, ends up in Norway is can be debated, the story is otherwise heartwarming and interesting. It portrayed love in its different shapes, forms and ways, not just between two people. And here's where this movie stands out a little from the crowd. The writer and director of this story and movie doesn't just take an overused love story, changes its appearance and scenery and just sends it off, hoping it'll make it out there. Besides the usual love between a man and a woman, the focus of this movie is set elsewhere.
Without loosing focus of the love between the couple, it almost happens naturally in the background, while another kind of love takes its rightful place in front. I felt the focus was set on love for a country, a love for a culture and a city, but most of all on the unbreakable love between family and friends, both living and the ones who've passed away. And alongside all this, we get to see our main character named JJ discover new sides of both a country and its population, gets to discover new sides of herself and her family.
There's only one thing I have to point out. This may not be that obvious or even detectable to foreigners, but since I'm a born and raised Norwegian myself, there's one thing that's dragging this movie a bit down for me, and that is that they didn't use Norwegian actors and actresses to play Norwegians in this movie. Now, I can except the our main male character Henrik moved to America, and by living there over some years could had an impact on his language, and maybe made his Norwegian language a bit rusty. But it's quite odd that his family in Bergen, who is said to be fully Norwegians, all speaks Norwegian with an American accent, and otherwise near flawless American with a hint of an made up accent. Even this supposed "Norwegian" girl singing "Santa Lucia" is clearly an American actor trying to sing in Norwegian. I just don't buy it.
It doesn't ruin the movie, at least not for me, and I don't know how difficult or expensive it is to get a Norwegian actors and extras, but it would've made a huge difference had they done it.
Horrible movie.
margareth_bjerkeli12 December 2023
This one hurts to watch. I'm Norwegian and this was one of the worst attempts of pretending to be Norwegian I have ever seen. They should have used Norwegian actors and done better research on Norway. There are lots of great Norwegian actors that would have done a far better job, they would also speak better english than the actors in the movie.
If there was any quality to this movie, them maybe I could have watched the whole thing. But I had too give up halfway.
There is som much wrong here, I dont think any Norwegians wold give this more than one star.
This was a just complete waste of time.
If there was any quality to this movie, them maybe I could have watched the whole thing. But I had too give up halfway.
There is som much wrong here, I dont think any Norwegians wold give this more than one star.
This was a just complete waste of time.
Wow! This is now competing with Heidelberg for my favorite Hallmark holiday movie of 2023!
cgvsluis5 December 2023
Have you heard about the Norwegian farmer who loved his wife so much, he almost told her?
I am loving Hallmark doing some more immersive storylines within other cultures. This film adds a clever meeting and trip into the storyline which was very enjoyable. As a fellow Dutchwoman, I loved seeing both David Elsendoorn and Peter Vollebregt playing the father and son Henrik and Johan Strom. I thought they and the rest of the cast did a remarkably believable job with the Norwegian accents and pronunciations.
I loved seeing the very real city of Bergen, seeing and hearing about Norwegian Christmas customs like St. Lucia celebrations, the food, the knitting, the singing around the tree...and traditional costume. I also appreciated the conversation about the American use of the word love and the sharing of the two duvets...which I already knew about and agree with whole heartedly.
I liked the tie in to a personal journey and not making the story too complex. I thought Rhiannon Fish was great as JJ and she had wonderful chemistry with David Elsendoorn. The sibling interaction and teasing was just the right note between Henrik and Nora. It was really fun to see a wedding as well as Christmas since there are lots of traditions around weddings around the world...including the dresses.
I really loved this one, it had humor, cultural sharing and family. I recommend this to anyone who wants a heartfelt holiday film this season. This is definitely competing for the best Hallmark Holiday film of 2023...I think it just might edge out the Heidelberg Holiday, which is also very good. Cheers, Hallmark. I really thought you were done for, but movies like these are breathing new life into your network. Well done.
I am loving Hallmark doing some more immersive storylines within other cultures. This film adds a clever meeting and trip into the storyline which was very enjoyable. As a fellow Dutchwoman, I loved seeing both David Elsendoorn and Peter Vollebregt playing the father and son Henrik and Johan Strom. I thought they and the rest of the cast did a remarkably believable job with the Norwegian accents and pronunciations.
I loved seeing the very real city of Bergen, seeing and hearing about Norwegian Christmas customs like St. Lucia celebrations, the food, the knitting, the singing around the tree...and traditional costume. I also appreciated the conversation about the American use of the word love and the sharing of the two duvets...which I already knew about and agree with whole heartedly.
I liked the tie in to a personal journey and not making the story too complex. I thought Rhiannon Fish was great as JJ and she had wonderful chemistry with David Elsendoorn. The sibling interaction and teasing was just the right note between Henrik and Nora. It was really fun to see a wedding as well as Christmas since there are lots of traditions around weddings around the world...including the dresses.
I really loved this one, it had humor, cultural sharing and family. I recommend this to anyone who wants a heartfelt holiday film this season. This is definitely competing for the best Hallmark Holiday film of 2023...I think it just might edge out the Heidelberg Holiday, which is also very good. Cheers, Hallmark. I really thought you were done for, but movies like these are breathing new life into your network. Well done.
Watchable
EPMD5728 December 2023
I love how half the population of Norway has submitted low reviews about this movie. I would also be annoyed if I was Norwegian, but my review is going to rate the actual movie since I have no idea how authentic the Norwegian content is.
I liked the production value. The settings were nice, the feel was right, and it was unique enough to merit watching. I also really liked Rhiannon Fish's character. She had quirks to make her relatable but not so many quirks as to be annoying. I was neutral on her before this movie, but she is the best part of this one and now I'm a fan.
If I had to crticize the movie, I would say the setup for the plot was ridiculous. Rhiannon's character was WAY too trusting after this random dude tracked her down at her workplace (in a school, no less) and showed up to see her. That's when you call for help, not decide to travel with him to Norway. Then when she mentioned she should Google him, he begged her not to. Not alarming at all!
I liked the production value. The settings were nice, the feel was right, and it was unique enough to merit watching. I also really liked Rhiannon Fish's character. She had quirks to make her relatable but not so many quirks as to be annoying. I was neutral on her before this movie, but she is the best part of this one and now I'm a fan.
If I had to crticize the movie, I would say the setup for the plot was ridiculous. Rhiannon's character was WAY too trusting after this random dude tracked her down at her workplace (in a school, no less) and showed up to see her. That's when you call for help, not decide to travel with him to Norway. Then when she mentioned she should Google him, he begged her not to. Not alarming at all!
Nothing like Norwegian culture
gxvyzbbb13 December 2023
Warning: Spoilers
As a Norwegian, this is terrible.
Why in the world would they not use norwegian kids in the Lucia show??? They used Americans who tried to sing in Norwegian and failes miserably. The grandmas house is not Norwegian and the "brunost" does not look like that. Even the people walking in the street are not Norwegian. Like I don't understand, why in the world would you not use norwegian actors for the roles in Norway so that it's actually authenthic. Oh and you almost never see the nothern lights in Bergen. It far too south for it to show up. Oh and also you can't stand in the middle of the city with all the lights and expect to see it. You have to go out from the city and away from the city-light. And no, that's not how we do weddings. NOTHING MAKES SENSE!!
This could literaly be filmed anywhere else, it has nothing to do with Norway. What a stupid movie. I'm actually offended. Do not watch this if you want to learn about norwegian culture. If you want a stupid movie, then watch.
Why in the world would they not use norwegian kids in the Lucia show??? They used Americans who tried to sing in Norwegian and failes miserably. The grandmas house is not Norwegian and the "brunost" does not look like that. Even the people walking in the street are not Norwegian. Like I don't understand, why in the world would you not use norwegian actors for the roles in Norway so that it's actually authenthic. Oh and you almost never see the nothern lights in Bergen. It far too south for it to show up. Oh and also you can't stand in the middle of the city with all the lights and expect to see it. You have to go out from the city and away from the city-light. And no, that's not how we do weddings. NOTHING MAKES SENSE!!
This could literaly be filmed anywhere else, it has nothing to do with Norway. What a stupid movie. I'm actually offended. Do not watch this if you want to learn about norwegian culture. If you want a stupid movie, then watch.
A Norway surprise
karenmcvey2 December 2023
This storyline was great! New, different captivating and a surprise .It kept us both interested and we didn't want to miss a thing. The lead actress is one of our favorites and always does well with her emotion both in her face and verbally. So many new actors and really thought they fit the bill. Loved the banter between her grandparents. Loved the ending scene ... perfect ! It had us laughing smiling and we can't wait to watch it again Love how Hallmark is taking us around the world sharing holiday and family traditions of different cultures. We are so glad you share more what the towns/villages and surrounding areas look like too ...we always look up more about the area afterward.
I never hit the fast forward button.
texasfolk4 December 2023
A well cast hallmark movie is a joy to behold. It makes such a difference when all of the characters are believable in the roles that they have. This is one of those rare movies. It's also hard to single out in a one actor for a great performance. Every actor was believable and their performance and every performance was wonderful to watch.
Apart from most Hallmark movies, this one had a few," didn't see that coming." it was also an extremely well written movie with great background shooting. I really watched this movie out of boredom and I'm extremely glad that I was honored to watch a genuinely great Hallmark movie.
Congratulations to all involved, and congratulations to hallmark for keeping it fresh and fun to watch to the end. By the way, David looks like a young tall Brad Pitt. Grandma is a younger Maggie Smith and Rhiannon, reminds me of no one. Lots of great actresses rolled into one. Great smiling eyes.
Apart from most Hallmark movies, this one had a few," didn't see that coming." it was also an extremely well written movie with great background shooting. I really watched this movie out of boredom and I'm extremely glad that I was honored to watch a genuinely great Hallmark movie.
Congratulations to all involved, and congratulations to hallmark for keeping it fresh and fun to watch to the end. By the way, David looks like a young tall Brad Pitt. Grandma is a younger Maggie Smith and Rhiannon, reminds me of no one. Lots of great actresses rolled into one. Great smiling eyes.
An ok romantic movie no more no less
bbberos27 January 2024
If you are from Norway you are probably gonna hate it , not because it makes people from norway look bad, just cos its silly . If you want to see shakespear in Love , you are delusional. Its ok, a 5 for some , a 7 for others, . Leaves you with very little but its not particularly annoying like I could have been.
OK , that said, accting its ok but lacking . Script is not very compley or interesting but at least is not treating you like you are 12.... The place in Norway is quite pretty . I would say if you are at home, with your wife or a kid and want to see a Chirstmass movie that its not gonna raise any questions but also its not gonna make you want to quit it to watch youtube. Here you go . Its a lesser Letters for Juliet lets say . >D.
OK , that said, accting its ok but lacking . Script is not very compley or interesting but at least is not treating you like you are 12.... The place in Norway is quite pretty . I would say if you are at home, with your wife or a kid and want to see a Chirstmass movie that its not gonna raise any questions but also its not gonna make you want to quit it to watch youtube. Here you go . Its a lesser Letters for Juliet lets say . >D.
Hard to warch as a Norwegian
mayjor-219073 December 2023
No this is not a Norwegian story.. yes they are in Bergen but thats about it. The language is so bad that I had to use the subtitles to understand what hey were trying to say.
This movie just feels like its made by americans, and it doesnt tell that much of our traditions... Yes they had our brown chees, trolls, skiing, bunad, and some of our christmas cockies, but thats just not all we are. If hallmark had tryed just a litle bit, this could have been a great movie even for us norwegians to watch.
This had a great story, and could have been such a great movie. I was really looking forward to watch this one as I really love halmarkmovies and have watch almost every one of them, but this one faild on so many levels.
This movie just feels like its made by americans, and it doesnt tell that much of our traditions... Yes they had our brown chees, trolls, skiing, bunad, and some of our christmas cockies, but thats just not all we are. If hallmark had tryed just a litle bit, this could have been a great movie even for us norwegians to watch.
This had a great story, and could have been such a great movie. I was really looking forward to watch this one as I really love halmarkmovies and have watch almost every one of them, but this one faild on so many levels.
Well worth the watch.
grammajanie-288112 December 2023
I rarely ever give a 10 in a review but I can't think of anything I'd change here. To say it's a great romcom doesn't do it justice. This is 2 hours of depth, humor, and an outstanding cast. Add beautiful scenery and 2 leads who catch fire from the first scene and go up from there. It keeps you involved and intrigued from the start and by the time you get to the end, you don't want it to be over. Not your generic hallmark movie at all. Bravo to the writers, producer, director and everybody else - there was not one wrong step. It was about so much more than a romance. It'll certainly get several re-watches over the season and beyond.
Rhiannon Fish is becoming my favorite actress out of a stable of many good ones. And the grandmother was delightfully wise and sweet.
Rhiannon Fish is becoming my favorite actress out of a stable of many good ones. And the grandmother was delightfully wise and sweet.
Why, just why
miaberglarsson17 December 2023
As a Norwegian i am offended. If I were an american i might would have enjoyed it. However, I don't see how this film in a single way shows how the Norwegian Christmas spirit is in any single way. Yes, they have bunad, brunost, krumkake and trolls, yet that does not contribute to the Norwegian Christmas tradition by themselves. Just why couldn't you at least had grandma or Anders casted as Norwegians, or even just someone American, so weird to hear someone "talk" Norwegian and a 100% hearing they don't even know what they are saying. A disgrace. Not even the extras were norwegian. A no from me unfortunately.
A Wonderful Surprise!
kevscratch-932-5959422 December 2023
It is always a great experience to be totally caught by surprise with a wonderful movie. MY NORWEGIAN HOLIDAY is just that! Generally a movie depends on its leads to carry the film. Not in this case. Rhiannon Fish and David Eisendoorn are extremely charismatic and play well together, both giving wonderful performances. They are supported beautifully by the remaining cast, headed by the wonderful Deidre Monaghan (as the Grandmother) and Karen Connell. But the remaining cast shines as well.. The beautiful city of Bergen is used beautifully. The Norwegian Christmas customs are highlighted, so it becomes a learning experience to see what they do differently. Hallmark has hit the bullseye with this one. A sequel should immediately be put into production, to continue this wonderful story. The film is well-written - but it is the acting of the two leads, and supporting cast, that make this movie special. Enjoy!!
Poor attempt
sandwilles5 December 2023
As a norwegian I am feeling offended you didnt even make an effort. The main character is dutch. Not a single one of the family members are norwegian. You could atleast have made an effort to hire some norwegian actors, when you want to display our culture and language. You got the language so wrong, and its no authenticity to it... When your trying to sell a story like this, why wouldnt you bother spending more time on the small details. Why would the father and son speak english together when they reunite? Even the kids singing the Lucia song sounds gibberish. Same goes with the norwegian-english accents. It looks like some american directors are trying to showcase what they think Norway looks like, not what it actually looks like.
Cute Movie
kmkrhia4 December 2023
Warning: Spoilers
This movie is really sweet. The scenery is beautiful and I enjoyed seeing the Norwegian Christmas traditions. My grandmother was from Sweden and I have never been so it was nice to imagine they were things she may have done as a little girl. The movie seems to go the extra mile than the typical Hallmark movie. The characters are endearing especially the grandmother. I liked that the storyline was different than the typical one Hallmark tends to repeat. It does contain some segments that wouldn't normally take place. Who would fly to another country with a guy they don't even know? That's the fun of a Hallmark movie.
One Of The Best
atlasmb5 December 2023
Another Hallmark romance takes the viewer to a foreign city full of beautiful sights and cultural interests.
I really enjoyed this story. It is extremely well written and it features the beautiful Rhiannon Fish as J. J. Johnson, who reluctantly travels to Norway only to discover an intrigue that has personal meaning for her. And it all starts with a chance meeting with Henrik Strom (David Eisendoorn), who lives in Bergen, where the film was shot.
Like some other Hallmark stories, this one involves an artifact surrounded by mystery. It gives the narrative a center that is also part of the developing relationships.
I love the incidental music. The cast is really lovable. Best of all, the film is full of magical moments that stir the heart.
Rhiannon Fish is fast becoming one of my favorites. Can she really be the young woman who played the fierce Ontari on "The 100"?
I really enjoyed this story. It is extremely well written and it features the beautiful Rhiannon Fish as J. J. Johnson, who reluctantly travels to Norway only to discover an intrigue that has personal meaning for her. And it all starts with a chance meeting with Henrik Strom (David Eisendoorn), who lives in Bergen, where the film was shot.
Like some other Hallmark stories, this one involves an artifact surrounded by mystery. It gives the narrative a center that is also part of the developing relationships.
I love the incidental music. The cast is really lovable. Best of all, the film is full of magical moments that stir the heart.
Rhiannon Fish is fast becoming one of my favorites. Can she really be the young woman who played the fierce Ontari on "The 100"?
Embarrassing to watch
robertfarstad14 December 2023
As a Norwegian, this was embarrassing to watch. Really bad Norwegian language. In fact, I don't think there were any authentic Norwegians with a speaking role at all.
The Santa Lucia singing show was actually really bad. Why not just dub the song so that I actually sounded like Norwegian? Beats me. But I pulled through it actually. Watched the entire movie hoping it got better.
Northern lights in Bergen is really, really rare. And when it is there, it's really soft and dim. You can hardly see it. But in this movie, it was theatrically strong and vivid lights. Not realistic to watch at all.
Better luck next time.
The Santa Lucia singing show was actually really bad. Why not just dub the song so that I actually sounded like Norwegian? Beats me. But I pulled through it actually. Watched the entire movie hoping it got better.
Northern lights in Bergen is really, really rare. And when it is there, it's really soft and dim. You can hardly see it. But in this movie, it was theatrically strong and vivid lights. Not realistic to watch at all.
Better luck next time.
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