Generally favorable reviews - based on 21 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 21
  2. Negative: 0 out of 21
  1. It's a cuckoo's nest that's nicely feathered.
  2. Reviewed by: Ty Burr
    Touches smartly and wistfully on a number of themes, not least the notion that the marginal members of society - the ones who get spit out on the sidewalk with no idea of how it happened - might benefit from a helping hand and a friendly kick in the pants.
  3. 75
  4. Charms because of its natural, non-magical attitude toward humanity.
  5. Reviewed by: Phil Hall
    If anything saves Elling, it is the trio of supporting performances that are closer to the real world.
  6. Heartwarming here relies less on forced air than on Petter Næss’ delicate, clever direction -- and a wonderful, imaginative script by Axel Hellstenius.
  7. A witty and sophisticated sensibility brings individuality to the classic odd-couple comedy.
  8. 90
    Beautifully observed, miraculously unsentimental comedy-drama.
  10. 75
    A gentle comedy, brimming with hope and faith in human resilience.
  12. 75
    An enjoyable experience.
  13. Reviewed by: Carla Meyer
    A charming 2001 Oscar nominee for best foreign-language film.
  15. 60
    The natural chemistry between Ellefsen and Nordin keeps the film pleasant and inoffensive, but is there any question about where or when or how it will go?
  17. Reviewed by: Ken Fox
    Deftly manages to avoid many of the condescending stereotypes that so often plague films dealing with the mentally ill.
  18. Reviewed by: Gunnar Rehlin
    A darkly funny, very human comedy.
  19. Elling is nothing if not carefully controlled hokum -- both actors, the director, and screenwriter all worked it through first as a stage adaptation of a novel by Ingvar Ambjornsen.
  20. Reviewed by: Ann Hornaday
    Bighearted audience pleaser.
User Score

Generally favorable reviews- based on 9 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 4
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 4
  3. Negative: 0 out of 4
  1. CherylW.
    Feb 13, 2008
    It was really good. A little sexual and there was some bad language. Other then that it was great!
  2. ArneL.
    Jun 15, 2007
    One of my my all time favourite movies! Saw it in the original version in Norway back in 2001. Great, great film!
  3. TordS.
    Dec 22, 2005
    Great film! :-))