Max Manus is a 2008 Norwegian war drama directed by Joachim Rønning and Espen Sandberg, with Aksel Hennie in the title role. The film follows the real Norwegian resistance fighter Max Manus from his experiences as a volunteer in the Winter War in Finland, through the German occupation of Norway and into his work with the Oslo Gang. Rather than presenting the resistance purely as heroic adventure, the film also focuses on fear, loss, guilt and the psychological cost of surviving when so many friends are killed. With its large-scale production, strong cast and close connection to one of Norway’s best-known wartime figures, Max Manus became one of the most important Norwegian films of the 2000s.
The film was shot mainly in Norway, with Oslo at the centre of its visual identity. Several parts of the capital were transformed back into the wartime occupation period, including Karl Johans gate and the area around the Parliament, where Nazi flags and period details recreated central Oslo under German control. The story also uses harbour and waterfront environments connected to Manus’ sabotage actions against German ships, giving the film a direct link to the city’s wartime geography. Additional filming took place at Norsk Film’s studios at Jar/Bekkestua, while Scotland was used for scenes connected to Manus’ training and Allied military contacts, including Ardkinglas House and Inveraray in Argyll. Together, these locations give the film a strong contrast between occupied Oslo, sabotage along the harbour, military exile and the wider Allied world that supported the Norwegian resistance.
Akershus Fortress
Akershus Fortress has been used in Norwegian film as both a historical setting and a dramatic Oslo landmark. It appears in About Tilla and in Max Manus.
Ardkinglas House
Ardkinglas House appeare in The Crow Road, My Life So Far, The Rocket Post, The Water Horse: Legend of the Deep, Max Manus, Sense8, Behind Her Eyes and more.
Havens Kolonial
In Max Manus, Havens Kolonial is used for the Plasskafeen. Gregers Gram and Edvard Tallaksen are seen coming from Hertzbergs gate before entering the café.
Ministry of Defence
The Royal Norwegian Ministry of Defence in Oslo is the government ministry responsible for developing and implementing Norwegian security and defense policy.
Villa Lilleborg
Villa Lilleborg is used In "Max Manus" (2008) near the beginning of the film, when the resistance group gathers at the house.
Vippetangen
Vippetangen is used in the Norwegian movies Pastor Jarman kommer hjem (1958), and in the war movie Max Manus (2008).