Kitchen Stories (2004)

Wry. Dry. Stoic. Droll. Understated. Catatonically comedic. Purse-your-lips-then-spew-your-beer funny. This movie had me belly-chuckling with its covert sight gags. But then I'm from Minnesota: Taciturn Scandinavians are a comedic staple for me. If you like A Prairie Home Companion humor, this movie is for you. If you would like Ingmar Bergman crossed with Woody Allen (or Grumpy Old Men), this movie is for you. If you like subtitled foreign films with well-crafted stories that are based on the characters instead of formulas, special effects, and explosions, this movie is for you. This is a story where actions speak louder than words as two men develop an unlooked-for friendship amidst mutual subterfuge and assistance. If you've lived through long cold winters or simply love snowy vistas, this movie puts sanity back in the words "cabin fever." Five stars.