Brødrene Havnaa's Incredible Journey Captured On Screen
The emotionally gripping cinematic tale captured by director Bård Breien, 'Team Havnaa', takes audiences on a compelling ride through the intertwined lives of brothers Erling and Magne Havnaa. Scheduled for release on December 25, 2024, the film chronicles their contrasting choices and fates against the backdrop of both triumphs and tribulations inherent to the boxing world and beyond.
Set primarily during the 1980s and 90s, 'Team Havnaa' not only delves deep within the boxing genre but also casts light on the stark contrasts between the brothers' life paths. While Magne rises as a successful professional boxer with dreams of clinching the world championship under the guidance of his brother Erling, the latter’s life takes a drastic turn following his involvement as one of the perpetrators of the infamous Nokas robbery.
While the film weaves together these narratives of brotherly support and individual struggle, it may leave viewers pondering why Erling ends up on such perilous paths, casting shadows on the ivy-league aspirations of his younger brother. Despite the heavy themes, the film adeptly showcases the bond between the brothers, underscoring the personal sacrifices involved, especially as Erling pushes aside his own desires for the sake of Magne's boxing career.
Notable Performances by Talented Leads
The film features riveting performances by Tobias Santelmann and Odin Waage, who undertook extensive training to levitate their portrayals of the Havnaa brothers to authentic levels. Their dedication translates convincingly on-screen, capturing the essence of the fighters’ contrasting fortunes through shared experiences and conflicts. Santelmann portrays Erling, who rose to success as a kickboxer and later faced disappointment, whereas Waage embodies Magne’s unyielding ambition overshadowed by family loyalty.
While the narrative progresses through milestones of their boxing careers, including Magne’s 1986 contract with Danish promoter Mogens Palle, the film presents various dynamics, including Erling's chaotic personal relationships contrasting sharply with Magne's more stable marriage to Turid.
Interestingly, 'Team Havnaa' brings the highs of sportsmanship and the lows of criminality together, painting Erling as both the supportive brother and as someone whose timeline spirals out of control, culminating dramatically with the violent robbery and his subsequent incarceration.
A Captivated Audience
Festival screenings suggest 'Team Havnaa' resonates with audiences, who appreciate its combination of sports, family dynamics, and poignant storytelling. Critics have noted how Breien employs familiar tropes of underdog stories, reminiscent of classic boxing films like 'Rocky' and 'Southpaw'. Yet, he manages to infuse these cliched motifs with freshness rooted firmly within the true story of the Havnaa brothers.
One of the film’s strength lies not just in its engaging narrative but also its emotional undertones. The filmmakers' conscious decision to blend personally rich storylines with the excitement of high-stakes boxing creates layers of viewer engagement. Scenes recreations from Magnas boxing matches, particularly his thrilling bouts leading up to the world championship, promise to be exhilarating, enveloping the audience in the historical momentum of their shared history.
Training Regimens and Believability
Behind the scenes, the actors did not leave any stone unturned to deliver believable performances. To accurately portray their roles as boxers, both Santelmann and Waage underwent rigorous training, each spending nearly three years preparing. Waage, previously known to many for his role as Råner from NRK's 'Rådebank', faced the physical challenge of transforming his left-handed stance to mimic Magne’s right-handed style. “It was very tough,” he revealed, admitting the struggles he faced during training.
Santlemann shared similar experiences of embarrassment working on the art of shadowboxing, often finding himself outside practicing only to be interrupted by curious passersby.
The Legacy of the Havnaa Brothers
Though the Havnaa family was not directly involved with the film's production, they were privy to the final cut earlier than general audiences. Kai Robin Havnaa, Magne's son, expressed his satisfaction with how their story was depicted. “It’s so much can go wrong, to see it being played back—yet it feels authentic,” he remarked on the emotional weight behind the film.
'Team Havnaa' does not aim to gloss over the darker turns taken during Erling's life but instead offers viewers opportunities for reflection on resilience, loyalty, and redemption through the lens of their shared history. The film is not merely entertainment but invokes conversations about choices made and paths taken.
Expectations are already high for 'Team Havnaa' as ticket sales continue to surge leading up to its release. The film promises to be both epic and intimate, encapsulating the essence of the brothers' extraordinary lives and setting the stage for what could become one of Norway's most celebrated film narratives.
