The Last Lieutenant (1993)
A Norwegian war drama about one man's refusal to surrender when his country needs him most.
The Last Lieutenant - Movie Information
- Original Title: Secondløitnanten
- Release Year: 1993
- Directed by: Hans Petter Moland
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama, War
- Runtime: 1h 42m
- Original Language: Norwegian
- Spoken Languages: Norwegian
- Release Date (Theatrical): August 27, 1993 (Norway - 15)
- Production Companies: Norsk Film
- Production Countries: Norway
The Last Lieutenant - Plot
Norwegian war drama. The old sea-captain retires, but the next day German WWII occupation of Norway begins. He then kisses his wife good-bye and is off to Army HQ. There he finds a lack of leadership and morale that offends him. They even laugh at him and his out-dated uniform and officer-rank. Secondloitnanten then finds and leads his private troop of volunteers against the German attack. The movie tells the story of a man that refuses to give up, even when everybody else leaves. He will fight for the country he loves and do his duty.
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The Last Lieutenant - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Hans Petter Moland
Main Cast
- Espen Skjønberg
- Lars Andreas Larssen
- Gard B. Eidsvold
- Bjørn Sundquist
- Morten Faldaas
- Ove Christian Owe
- Bjarne Thomsen
- Rut Tellefsen
- Camilla Strøm Henriksen
- Bjørn Floberg
Writers
- Axel Hellstenius
Producers
- Harald Ohrvik
- Esben Høilund Carlsen
The Last Lieutenant - FAQs
What is The Last Lieutenant about?
The Last Lieutenant follows a retired Norwegian sea captain who, on the very day after he steps down, finds his country invaded by German forces in April 1940. Refusing to accept defeat, he heads to Army HQ, assembles a band of volunteers, and leads them in resistance against the occupation — a deeply human story of duty and defiance.
Is The Last Lieutenant based on a true story?
Yes, The Last Lieutenant draws on real events from the German invasion of Norway in April 1940. The central character, Thor Espedal, is inspired by actual Norwegian officers who refused to capitulate despite institutional collapse and lack of support, making the film a tribute to those who chose to fight on against overwhelming odds.
Who plays the lead role in The Last Lieutenant?
Veteran Norwegian actor Espen Skjønberg plays Thor Espedal, the retired sea captain at the heart of the film. His portrayal of a principled, quietly determined man standing firm when others abandon their posts is widely regarded as one of the finest performances in Norwegian cinema.
Who directed The Last Lieutenant?
The Last Lieutenant was directed by Hans Petter Moland, one of Norway's most respected filmmakers. Moland brings a restrained, character-driven approach to the wartime material, focusing on moral courage and personal integrity rather than large-scale battlefield spectacle.
Did The Last Lieutenant win any awards?
The Last Lieutenant was Norway's official submission to the Academy Awards for Best Foreign Language Film at the 66th Oscars ceremony. It also received strong recognition at home, earning multiple Amanda Awards — Norway's national film prizes — including Best Film and Best Actor for Espen Skjønberg.
What is the age rating for The Last Lieutenant?
The Last Lieutenant carries a rating of 15 in Norway, meaning it is recommended for viewers aged 15 and older. The film contains wartime violence and mature themes around moral responsibility, military failure, and personal sacrifice, making it best suited to older teens and adult audiences.
What are some movies similar to The Last Lieutenant?
If The Last Lieutenant resonated with you, you might enjoy Das Boot (1981), Letters from Iwo Jima (2006), The Forgotten Battle (2021), Braveheart (1995), and Lebanon (2009). Each film explores war through a deeply personal lens, emphasizing individual courage, moral complexity, and the human cost of conflict.
How long is The Last Lieutenant?
The Last Lieutenant runs for 102 minutes — just over an hour and forty minutes. It's a well-paced wartime drama that uses its runtime efficiently, building character depth and emotional weight without overstaying its welcome.
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