Portland Poster

Portland 1996

★ 4.310 votes103 min📅 1996-04-19

"An ever accelerating surrealism towards the end"

In Niels Arden Oplev's gritty crime drama *Portland* (1996), a young criminal finds himself trapped between his reckless lifestyle and the looming consequences of his actions.

Director: Niels Arden Oplev

Cast

Anders W. Berthelsen
Anders W. Berthelsen
Janus
Ulrich Thomsen
Ulrich Thomsen
Lasse
Iben Hjejle
Iben Hjejle
Eva
Helle Dolleris
Helle Dolleris
Irene
Jens Albinus
Jens Albinus
Carsten
Birthe Neumann
Birthe Neumann
The Mother

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Portland (1996) about?

*Portland* (1996) follows a young criminal who tries to leave his life of crime behind, only to drag his younger brother into the mess. As their situation spirals out of control, the film blends dark humor with a sense of inevitable downfall.

Who directed Portland?

Niels Arden Oplev directed *Portland*. Known for his work in Scandinavian cinema, Oplev crafts a tense, character-driven crime story with a raw authenticity.

Who stars in Portland?

The film stars Anders W. Berthelsen, Ulrich Thomsen, and Iben Hjejle, with standout performances from Jens Albinus and Birthe Neumann.

Is Portland (1996) worth watching?

*Portland* (1996) is a flawed but intriguing crime drama with strong performances and a unique atmosphere. While its execution isn't flawless, its themes of brotherhood and self-destruction make it a compelling watch for fans of Nordic noir.

How long is Portland?

The runtime for *Portland* (1996) is 103 minutes.

About Portland (1996) — A Gritty Danish Crime Drama with Surreal Edge

In Niels Arden Oplev's gritty crime drama *Portland* (1996), a young criminal finds himself trapped between his reckless lifestyle and the looming consequences of his actions. The film follows his desperate attempt to break free from a cycle of crime, only to pull his younger brother deeper into the chaos. Shot through with dark humor and a sense of impending doom, *Portland* captures the friction between self-destructive ideals and the harsh realities of a life on the fringe. With its moody atmosphere and raw performances, the movie explores themes of loyalty, failure, and the blurred lines between rebellion and self-sabotage.

The narrative unfolds with a jagged energy, mirroring the characters' struggles to escape their own limitations. While the dialogue occasionally stumbles into the absurd, the film's surreal undertones and unflinching portrayal of brotherhood give it a distinct edge. *Portland* isn't just a crime story—it's a character study of men who can't seem to outrun their own choices, even when they know where they lead.