Svein and the Rat 2006

Svein Thomas Saraby Vatle is a small boy with a pet rat, Halvorsen. His friend Dan Luis Engebrigtsen Bye also has a rat named James Bond, and in their town many people still see rats as pests. After Halvorsen gnaws on electric cables and a water hose from the washing machine, Svein’s parents decide that the rat cannot stay, so they bring him to the local pet shop. Dan tries to buy Halvorsen back for Svein, but the shopkeeper says pets are not sold to minors. By threatening to expose the fraudulent behavior of the shopkeeper—who sold an unsuitable animal as a guide dog to a blind man—Dan gets Halvorsen back, and Svein can keep his companion.

There is an upcoming pet competition in town. Melissa notices the event and asks about entries, discovering that rats are allowed to participate; she registers Halvorsen. With Melissa’s help, Svein trains him to perform tricks, hoping to impress the judges. However, Halvorsen falters on the first attempt, and Svein realizes that the rat does not enjoy tricks. He promises Halvorsen that he will never force him to perform again. Although Halvorsen could try again, Svein declines that option, choosing to honor the rat’s feelings over a guaranteed win.

In the end, Halvorsen earns the title of “pet of the year” not for flashy tricks but for the deep friendship and trust he shares with Svein. The victory feels earned through patience, care, and mutual respect rather than spectacle. And in a small, hopeful gesture of generosity, Svein later gives Melissa her own rat, a quiet acknowledgment of the bond that formed between friends through their shared love of animals.