Is Nothing but Troubles Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1954)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Debuting in 1954, Nothing but Troubles represents a sophisticated intersection of artistic ambition and genre-defining elements within the Drama, Comedy category. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into The working-class family Bråten is living in a top floor of a tenement house on the outskirts of Oslo. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Drama, Comedy are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "The working-class family Bråten is living in a top floor of a tenement house on the outskirts of Oslo. The family includes three sons and two daughters, mother and father in one room and kitchen. Mother Hulda is the family hub while Mr.Bråten itself is a silent and withdrawn worker. Children contribute in their own way to the neighbors are right when they exclaim: Never anything but trouble! There are problems for all when the police come into the picture after the one his son is participating in a car theft. Middle of all this chaos, 16-year-old Maiken (Vigdis Røising) moves out and seek questionable friends, which brings her into conflict with his father. A tragedy brings the family together again."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. While the script occasionally leans into familiar territory, the efforts of Turid Haaland ensure that the emotional beats of Nothing but Troubles always land with sufficient weight. Turid Haaland provides a steady, reliable performance that anchors the film through its narrative shifts.

The direction by Edith Carlmar is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 77 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is Nothing but Troubles truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Drama, Comedy, then this is a highly recommended entry that delivers on its promises while offering a few surprises along the way.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 6.4/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, Nothing but Troubles explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 1954 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Edith Carlmar respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, Nothing but Troubles serves as a reliable piece of entertainment that will satisfy core fans while providing a solid entry point for new viewers. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Turid Haaland or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Nothing but Troubles is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.