Max Manus: Man of War

Max Manus
Theatrical release poster
Directed byJoachim Rønning
Espen Sandberg
Written byThomas Nordseth-Tiller
Produced bySveinung Golimo
John M. Jacobsen
StarringAksel Hennie
Nicolai Cleve Broch
Agnes Kittelsen
Ken Duken
Petter Næss
CinematographyGeir Hartly Andreassen
Edited byAnders Refn
Music byTrond Bjerknes
Release date
  • 19 December 2008 (2008-12-19)
Running time
118 minutes
CountryNorway
LanguageNorwegian
BudgetUS$5.9 million
Box officeUS$15.3 million

Max Manus: Man of War is a 2008 Norwegian biographical war film based on the real events of the life of resistance fighter Max Manus (9 December 1914 – 20 September 1996). The story follows Manus (Aksel Hennie) from the Winter War against the Soviet Union, through the outbreak of World War II and the occupation of Norway by Nazi Germany until peacetime in 1945. The film is based on Max Manus's own books Det vil helst gå godt and Det blir alvor, as well as other accounts and historical documentation. The film stays largely historically accurate, but omits some events, and moves some of the supporting characters around to show them taking part in events in place of others. The production included around 1,800 extras and 2,000 workers behind the cameras.

The film's premiere was attended by King Harald V, "Tikken" Manus, Gunnar Sønsteby along with other notable individuals. Reception from critics was largely positive. Max Manus also sparked a public debate about the role of the Norwegian resistance movement during the German occupation.