Watch Mongoland

Mongoland is a 2001 film directed by Arild Ostin Ommundsen. As the name suggests, the film is primarily set in a small country in Mongolia, with a few scenes filmed in the capital, Oslo. The film follows the lives of two young people, Kjartan (played by Kristoffer Joner) and Axil (played by Geir Vegar Hoel), who are aspiring writers. They both work at a printing factory in Oslo and spend their days discussing their shared passion for writing.

Kjartan is a restless young man who dreams of becoming a great writer, but is frustrated by the lack of opportunities in his small city. He quits his job and heads off to Mongolia in search of inspiration. Axil, on the other hand, is more practical, and is content to stay behind and write in his spare time.

In Mongolia, Kjartan meets a young woman named Naya (played by Pia Tjelta), who lives on a remote farm. Kjartan is initially drawn to her because of her connection to the land and her seemingly simple way of life. However, as he spends more time with her, he realizes that there is more to her than meets the eye.

As Kjartan grapples with his feelings for Naya, he also struggles to find inspiration for his writing. He spends his days exploring the countryside, meeting locals, and trying to capture the essence of this fascinating, foreign land.

Meanwhile, back in Oslo, Axil starts to experience his own creative breakthroughs. Inspired by Kjartan's journey, he begins to write with more passion and conviction than ever before. He starts to see the world in a different way, and the ordinary people around him become characters in his stories.

As the film progresses, Kjartan's and Axil's stories begin to intertwine. They each confront their own insecurities, and find new ways to express themselves through their writing. In the end, both of them are transformed by their experiences, and are left with a new appreciation for the power of storytelling.

Mongoland is a beautifully shot film, with stunning landscapes that capture the contrasts between urban and rural life. The performances of the cast are also outstanding, particularly Pia Tjelta, who brings a quiet strength to her role as Naya.

Overall, Mongoland is a poignant and deeply moving film that explores the power of writing to connect us to ourselves and the world around us. It is a must-see for anyone who is interested in the creative process, and the ways in which we can find inspiration in unexpected places.