Review

We may have a vague preconception of the countries of Northern Europe as being places free from political conflict, where there is no classism or regionally based discrimination, and where people live well thanks to outstanding welfare systems. But these images might not be entirely true. The central figure in this documentary is Lars Thorsen, leader of a group called SIAN (Stop Islamization of Norway) that is critical of Islam. Alarmed by the growing presence of Muslim immigrants, the members have traveled throughout Norway to "protect" it from them. They have also singled out the homes of Muslims for hate speech and carried out Koran burnings. For Muslims, the acts are intolerable blasphemies, and the settings of Thorsen's speeches sometimes erupt into violence. Norwegian critics have called on him to respect religious freedoms and avoid crossing the line in terms of democracy. In that sense, the title Norwegian Democrazy may also represent the message the film is attempting to share. Should hate speech that crosses lines be protected in the name of freedom of expression? If not, who determines the standard and how? It may be that "democracy" and "craziness" come together through the medium of hate. (CHUN Jinsu)

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