(Denmark)
Mads Mikkelsen, Rolf Lassgard, Sidse Babett Knudsen
"Champagne is poured. Secrets are spilled."
CineEuropa
Cinema 1, Shang Cineplex
This Danish film tells the story of Jacob Petersen who heads an orphanage in India. A generous benefactor wants to make a huge donation to the orphanage but his offer has some really heavy strings attached. Jacob has to return to Denmark to present his projected plans for the orphanage. Once there he suddenly finds himself embroiled in a maze involving controversial aspects from his past. Secrets are revealed, dilemmas abound and life altering decisions are fraught in this melodramatic film.
People might recognize Mads Mikkelsen who portrays the main character in this film. He was cast as the villain "Le Chiffre" in Casino Royale. That James Bond movie starring Daniel Craig. Here he is brilliant as the hapless Jacob. His stoic portrayal of a man who has to reckon for his past shortcomings was fascinating to watch.
Parts of this movie was filmed in India while the rest is featured in the pristine surroundings of Copenhagen and its environs. The dialogue is a mix of English, Hindi and Danish. Complex characters with glaring flaws and deeply human emotions are well developed. I also noticed that the director had this penchant for focusing on the eyes of the characters whenever surprises were revealed. An effective technique to draw the audience into the 'moment' as it unfolded.
The story line flows effortlessly even as several conflicts are entrusted both on the characters as well as on the viewer. You can't help but be totally absorbed in their fate. But there are also light moments which can tug at your heart strings. As is the norm in most European movies, you aren't bombarded with vital information. You leave the theater wondering if certain events in the film were merely coincidental or done on purpose. Well, this film definitely didn't disappoint in that aspect.
People might recognize Mads Mikkelsen who portrays the main character in this film. He was cast as the villain "Le Chiffre" in Casino Royale. That James Bond movie starring Daniel Craig. Here he is brilliant as the hapless Jacob. His stoic portrayal of a man who has to reckon for his past shortcomings was fascinating to watch.
Parts of this movie was filmed in India while the rest is featured in the pristine surroundings of Copenhagen and its environs. The dialogue is a mix of English, Hindi and Danish. Complex characters with glaring flaws and deeply human emotions are well developed. I also noticed that the director had this penchant for focusing on the eyes of the characters whenever surprises were revealed. An effective technique to draw the audience into the 'moment' as it unfolded.
The story line flows effortlessly even as several conflicts are entrusted both on the characters as well as on the viewer. You can't help but be totally absorbed in their fate. But there are also light moments which can tug at your heart strings. As is the norm in most European movies, you aren't bombarded with vital information. You leave the theater wondering if certain events in the film were merely coincidental or done on purpose. Well, this film definitely didn't disappoint in that aspect.
1 comment:
napanuod ko rin tong film na to sa cine europa. ang ganda.
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