A Year Along the Abandoned Road

Watch A Year Along the Abandoned Road

  • 1991
  • 12 min
  • 7.6  (352)

First of all, it is important to note that the film A Year Along the Abandoned Road is not your typical narrative film. Instead, it is a documentary-style film that follows a year in the life of a small community in western Norway, as they go about their daily routines and navigate the changing seasons. The film is shot almost entirely in black and white, which gives it a somewhat eerie and atmospheric quality. The stark landscape of the region is also captured beautifully, with sweeping shots of snow-covered mountains, fjords, and pastoral fields.

As the film progresses, we get to know the people who live in this remote part of Norway. There are farmers, fishermen, shopkeepers, and others, all of whom are struggling to eke out a living in a region that is largely cut off from the rest of the world. We see them going about their daily chores, whether it be tending to their animals, mending nets, or repairing their homes.

One of the most interesting things about the film is the way it captures the changing seasons. We see the snow melt and the ground thaw as spring arrives, and we watch as the farmers plant their crops and the fishermen head out to sea. Summer brings longer days and warmer temperatures, and the community comes together for various festivals and celebrations. In the fall, we see the leaves change colors and the farmers harvesting their crops. And in the winter, the snow returns and the community hunkers down to wait out the long, dark months.

Throughout the film, there is also a sense of the history and tradition that is ingrained in this community. We see the way that people still rely on old methods and techniques in their work, and the way that they pass down these skills to the next generation. There are also glimpses of the religious traditions that are still a part of daily life in this region, with scenes of church services and hymn singing.

One of the most striking aspects of the film, however, is the sense of isolation that runs throughout it. This is a community that is largely cut off from the rest of the world, and we see the impact that this has on the people who live there. There are scenes of people driving hours just to get to the nearest town, and of shopkeepers struggling to keep their businesses afloat in the face of dwindling demand. We also see the toll that this isolation takes on the mental well-being of some members of the community, with scenes of individuals struggling with depression and other issues.

Despite these challenges, however, there is also a sense of resilience and determination among the people who live here. We see them coming together to help one another in times of need, whether it be to repair a home damaged by a storm or to help a farmer whose animals have fallen ill.

All in all, A Year Along the Abandoned Road is a fascinating and intimate portrait of a community that is often overlooked by the rest of the world. It captures the beauty and hardship of life in a remote part of Norway, and offers a glimpse into the traditions and culture that make this place unique. Whether you are interested in Norwegian culture, rural life, or simply enjoy beautifully shot documentaries, this film is definitely worth checking out.

A Year Along the Abandoned Road
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Description
  • Release Date
    1991
  • Runtime
    12 min
  • Language
    None
  • IMDB Rating
    7.6  (352)