S U G G E S T E D F I L M S
This is just a short list of Danish and other Scandinavian films (in no definite order) that I’ve enjoyed and highly recommend.
The Hunt
The Hunt
D. Thomas Vinterberg With Mads Mikkelsen (whose searing performance won him best actor award at 2012 Cannes Festival), Alexandra Rapaport, Thomas Bo Larsen. Hauntingly layered and nuanced drama of a quiet, respectful man coming to terms with divorce and the custody of his son who is falsely and tragically accused of abusing children. Mob mentality in small town Denmark is on display. Although topic didn’t seem like one that I would like to watch the movie was captivating and held my attention from beginning to end. Mikkelsen was mesmerizing. A definite must see.
A Royal Affair (Danish) 2012
Director: Nikolaj Arcel (who also wrote screenplay for Swedish film Girl with the Dragon Tatoo)
German physician, Johann Friedrich Streuensee: Mads Mikkkelson Queen Caroline Matilda [of Great Britain]: Alicia Vikandev (Swedish) Christian VII: Mikkel Boe Folsgaard
This intriguing film, which captures a piece of Danish history well known in Denmark but remarkably unknown elsewhere, is basically about how the Age of Enlightenment came to Denmark in the 18th century. Despite being such a dramatic, Hollywood-like fiction, it is apparently a fairly accurate account (as much as a fictionalized story can be) of real events in the late 1700s. The principles of Enlightenment which would inspire the French Revolution, first took practical shape in Denmark during this time (backed by the ideologies of Voltaire and Rousseau) and were presented to the Danish court by a German physician (Johann Friedrich Streuensee) a close confidant of King Christian VII (depicted as slightly ‘mad’ and vulnerable). Highly recommended both as a captivating film, visual spectacle and interesting piece of history.
In a Better World (Danish) 2010
Director: (Award Winning) Suzanne Bier Written by: Anders Thomas Jensen With Mikael Persbrandt, Trine Dyrholm, Markus Rygaard, Wil Johnson In a Better World is a sumptuous, sensitive melodrama/thriller which tackles some rather difficult existential and human themes. Specifically it focuses on the theme of forgiveness versus revenge. The two main characters are two children (Christian and Claus) who meet originally because of bullying at school (taking place in small-town Denmark). Here we are introduced to the revenge and forgiveness theme which is, of course, expanded upon throughout the film. Suzanne Bier won the Oscar for Best Foreign Language film for this marvellously sensitive and captivating film (also Golden Globe Award 2011). Film well deserves this praise. I love Bier’s work and the sensitive portrayal of her characters.
Love Is All You Need (Danish) 2012
D. The noted Suzanne Bier (again accompanied by her talented co-writer Anders Thomas Jensen) With Pierce Brosnan, Trine Dyrholm, Kim Bodnia, Molly Egelind An enchanting Danish rom-com, not overly sweet, but heartfelt and beautiful to look at (lush, joyous Italian landscape). Bier presents not the fanciful, idealistic Hollywood version of love, but love seen as a brilliant way of embracing life’s problems. The film focuses upon a marriage taking place in Italy and a bond that develops between the potential bride’s mother and the potential groom’s father (brilliantly played by Pierce Brosnan). Sticks to “Danish dogma commandments: cameras should be hand held, light should be natural, locations should be real.” Really enjoyed it!
A Second Chance (Danish) TIFF (2014)
D. Again Suzanne Bier
With Nikolaj Costner-Waldau (July 27,1970 [personal reason for including this bd), Ulrich Thomsen, Marie Bonnevie
The film raises questions about crossing lines and asks how far people will go when tragedy blurs the line between right and wrong. This is a chilling shocking thriller drama. Loved theme of things aren’t what they appear and the surprise Hitchcockian end. I found both the characters and setting beautiful and captivating. Watched this film at enchanting Eglin Theatre in Toronto (which enhanced its appeal). And film discussion by Suzanne Bier and the Nikolaj Costner-Waldau made it extra special. Loved this film!
Flame and Citron (Danish) 2008
D. Ole Christian Madsen (also Co-writer)
With Mads Mikkelsen, Thure Lindharadt, Stinne Satengade, Lars Mikkelsen, Peter Mygind
Historical fictionalized account based upon Danish Resistance Movement fighters nicknamed Flame and Citron during Nazi occupation in 1944. The most expensive Danish to that date which was highly successful and won numerous awards. Elements of film noir, beautifully choreographed and filmed in deep shadows that cut effects of violence and challenged black and white concepts of war and resistance. Madsen’s film is psychologically complex and focuses on the moral ambiguity of killing and war. In fact Madsen suggests that “violence takes its toll on the perpetrator as well as the victim”. This impressive, sensitive film is an important film to watch.
Itsi Bitsi (Danish) TIFF, 2014
D. Ole Christian Madsen (also Co-writer)
Joachim Fjelstrup, Marie Touyrell Soderberg, Christian Gade Bjerrum
A dramatic but tragic journey which is again a fictionalized account of a real life events and the 1960s psychedelic rock star Eik Skaloe. A rebellious, anti-establishment, countercultural odyssey which centers on a famous love story known throughout Scandinavia. In 1962 Denmark, Eik meets and falls in love with a young peace activist, Iben. Though Iben refuses to commit to one man, Eik desperately tries to win her over, finally forming the rock band Steppeulvene (derived from Herman Hess’ Stephenwolf) and declaring his love for her in one of band’s biggest hits Itsi Bitsi (his nickname for Iben). The film which takes place in several countries throughout Europe, captures the anti-establishment sentiment of the time (sexual freedom, drugs, etc.) and the Dylan-ish tone (influence) of his music. Interesting voice overs from Eik’s writings and animated flowers and bees to highlight the playfulness of the time. Enjoyed the ‘real’ intimate feel of this film despite its tragic end.
Highjacking (Danish) TIFF 2012
D. Tobias Lindholm
With Pilou Asbaek, Soren Malling, Dar Salim
This is a tense and gripping thriller and while void of most movie cliches, it maintains an enormous amount of suspense. Somali pirates seize a Danish freighter and demand millions of dollars (this was a common occurrence in the 20th and early 21st century). This film was copied by Hollywood with a lame and less captivating remake, Captain Phillips. Riveting and sheer excitement – see it if you can.
Copenhagen (Danish) 2014
D. Director and Writer: Mark Raise
with Frederikke Dahl Hansen, Gethir Anthon
Independent coming of age film, rich and satisfying, using Copenhagen as beautiful glowing backdrop. Intelligent but off beat, it shows a twenty-eight year old man searching for identity by searching for his Danish father and instead finds identity and subsequent maturity in his relationship with a young Danish girl half his age. Amazingly rich and full for an independent first. Very engaging and watchable.
The Bridge (Danish/Swedish) 2011
TV Series, Created and Written by Hans Rosenfeldt
With Sofia Helin as Saga Noren (Swedish Detective) and Kim Bodnia as Martin Rohde (Danish Detective)
Ah the cool Danish detective! This famous ground-breaking series, clever and intensely detailed, (see also The Killing, Borgen, Wallander, etc.) is hugely popular at home, in Britain and also internationally. I have seen the first season which came out in 2011/2012 but there has been a second series (and a third is on the way). The first series focuses upon the discovery of a dead body in the middle of the Oresund Bridge connecting Denmark and Sweden. This brings into play Swedish and Danish detectives working together to solve this bizarre, complex, dark crime. The series gives the audience a strong sense of Scandinavian society, the good and the bad with perhaps greater emphasis placed upon the bad or ‘downside’, e.g. poverty, drug addiction, homelessness, mental illness, racial prejudice, etc. It also speaks loudly of gender equality with its strong female lead. Excellent writing which captures your attention and never lets go. Perhaps appeal is also an affront to the ‘blandness’ sometimes associated with this ‘seemingly perfect’ highly egalitarian society.
Can’t wait to see following series as well as other ‘cool’ TV dramas from Denmark.
Hotell (Swedish/Danish) TIFF 2013
D. Lisa Longest
With Alicia Vikandev (see also A Royal Affair)
Liked the unique, compassionate but comical concept of using a hotel as a place where one could change rooms and therefore open oneself up to new perspectives and possibilities. Thus the main character, Erica, having fallen into despair after the still birth of her first child, finds healing and redemption in her retreat to a hotel with others from her therapy group. Despite the fact the film was extremely popular at its TIFF presentation, it did not find wider distribution in North American theatres. A shame as this film has broad appeal and is one of my favourites.
OTHER SCANDINAVIAN FILMS THAT I’VE ENJOYED:
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (Swedish) 2009
D. Niels Arden Oplev
With Noomi Rapace, Michael Nyquist, Ewa Froling, Lena Endre
Swedish film taken from wildly popular novel by Stieg Larson, was itself a big hit becoming the highest grossing Swedish film in history and Europe’s highest grossing film of 2009. Perhaps ‘Nordic Noir’ at its near beginning and best. “This dynamic thriller shivers with suspense, In a word, wow!” (Peter Travers, Rolling Stone).
Pioneer (Norwegian) TIFF 2013
D. Erik Skjoldbjaerg
With Aksel Hennie, Wes Bentley
Great sea diving thriller set in the early 1980s at the beginning of the oil boom. Exciting, tense, captivating film with strong acting and storyline. Loved the photography, setting and overall feel of the film. Another historical fiction well worth watching.
Headhunter (Norwegian) 2011
D. Morton Tilde
With Aksel Hennie, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Synnove Macody Lund, Elvind Sander, Julie Olgaard
Wow. First rate production, twisting, mesmerizing, somewhat grisly thriller. Portrait of upper echelons of Scandinavian life. Roger Ebert praised movie as “an argument for the kinds of thrillers I miss. It entertains with story elements in which scares evolve from human behaviour.” Loved it.
DOCUMENTARIES:
The Human Scale (Danish) 2012
D. Andreas Dalsgaard
A stunningly photographed, beautiful film about how to make cities better. Danish architect and professor Jan Gehl, who has studied human behaviour in cities for four decades, has created a brilliant and visually compelling film about how to make cities more livable, inclusive, intimate and people friendly (opposing current trend of modern cities which repel human interaction). Danish architectural strength certainly at play. Have watched it a few times and learned more with each viewing. Very contemporary and relevant. Pleasure to watch.
Inside Lego (Danish) [Visionary/Netflix] 2014
A brilliant look inside the business of Lego, the world’s most successful toy industry. Detailed and fun. But wish it was longer [A Bloomberg Quicklook]. Definitely much more to the Lego legend than I had imagined. Very worthwhile to watch.