Tag: thomas vinterberg

Don’t drink before breakfast. “Another Round” (“Druk”, 2020)

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directed by Thomas Vinterberg
© 2020 Nordisk Film. All Rights Reserved.

There’s a tragic story behind this film, which you should know about. But first, let me tell you some basic pieces of information. This is the newest Vinterberg’s film, which also has been chosen to represent Denmark at the upcoming Academy Awards. It tells the story of four teachers – Martin (Mads Mikkelsen), Tommy (Thomas Bo Larsen), Peter (Lars Ranthe) and Nikolaj (Magnus Millang). They all teach at one gymnasium in Copenhagen and all of them feel like they’re wasting their life. The job has become incredibly boring and the students don’t even appreciate their teachers’ effort. One day, celebrating Nikolaj’s birthday, the men start talking about this one theory which says that it’s actually good for our minds and bodies to have a small amount of alcohol in blood. They decide to give it a try and begin to drink during the day. At first it’s just a small portion of alcohol, just to relax themselves and feel more motivated to work. However, at some point they’re slowly trying to drink more, hoping that their life would become even more and more pleasant. On one hand it’s a comedy, on the other it’s a drama that has a very dark background. And here’s something you should know. The person who inspired Vinterberg to make this film was actually his own daughter, Ida. She was telling her father about how young people in Denmark overuse alcohol, which is also one of the topics of the film. And that was supposed to be more of a comedy about how much influence alcohol has on our life. Because a lot of people drink, even if they are teachers, doctors, therapists, policemen or presidents. So we can only imagine how different our history would look like if there was no %. Unfortunately, right after they started shooting the film, Ida was killed in a car accident, which, as you can imagine, was an absolute tragedy for Vinterberg. After that, they decided to make this film a bit more empowering and “awakening to life”. Should this film get an Oscar? I don’t know, I would have to see other nominees. But I’m pretty sure I’d like it to be nominated this year. They deserve it because they presented one of the biggest taboo topics of humanity in a very different way. Thank you Ida for encouraging your father to make the film.

My rating: 7/10
S.

Dogme 95 first baby. “The Celebration” (“Festen”, 1998)

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directed by Thomas Vinterberg
© 1998 Scanbox Danmark. All Rights Reserved.

Thomas Vinterberg. Very specific director. Most people may know him because of “The Hunt” (2012), which is a fantastic production, so if you haven’t seen it, go for it. However, today I’d like to focus on his earlier “child”: “The Celebration”. Actually, it wasn’t only his baby. This film is the first Dogme 95. If you don’t know what that is, let me explain shortly. Mr Vinterberg and Mr von Trier (yes, the one who’s made “Nymphomaniac”, “Antichrist”, “Melancholia” and other rather difficult to accept for me films, except “Dancer in the Dark” – this one is on top) decided to start a movement in 1995. They wanted films to be more traditional, focused on acting, on the story, without any additional effects or technologies. In order to to get a Dogme 95 certificate, producers needed to obey certain rules, such as using hand-held camera, not using additional lighting, shooting must be done on location, not adding any sound effects or music unless they occur where one is currently shooting the film and several more. Interesting concept, right? So yes, those two gentlemen came up with such idea and “The Celebration” was actually made following those rules. In my opinion it’s a very basic story with some good plot twists which wouldn’t catch the attention of many. However, since this film is historical due to the first Dogme 95 certificate, it is considered a must-see. I don’t agree, it’s rather perhaps-it-would-be-interesting-for-you-to-see-a-film-with-numerous-restrictions-but-do-not-expect-too-much-just-watch-it-for-your-own-information. The plot goes like this: we have Helge (Henning Moritzen) who is going to celebrate his 60th birthday surrounded by his family and friends. During the event, certain interesting facts come out, which I will leave for you to discover. Anyway, I find Dogme 95 an original movement and I recommend you to learn more about it. And “The Celebration”… well, you may need a glass of good champagne to finish it.

My rating: 6/10
S.

I know my little girl. She doesn’t lie. “The Hunt” (“Jagten”, 2012)

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directed by Thomas Vinterberg
© 2012 Nordisk Film. All Rights Reserved.

If you don’t really like children, you have two choices. Don’t watch “The Hunt” and enjoy your peaceful life or do watch it and hate children even more. Okay, I’m kidding. There are many comments about the child in this film and they are a bit ridiculous. Yes, a little girl Klara (Annika Wedderkopp) tells a lie that starts the whole shitstorm but then it’s us, the adults, who do something with this information. The main character, Lucas (Mads Mikkelsen), is a kindergarten teacher who gets in trouble after this already mentioned adorable creature Klara tells others a lie. The girl claims Lucas was sexually abusing her, which as you can imagine, especially in Scandinavia, is a huge red button. There are opinions as if this film was about manipulation, about losing trust in each other. For me, though, it shows how ridiculous world we’re slowly creating. Back then teachers were our aunts and uncles, hugging us, showing their natural love to their students. What’s wrong with that? You spend hours with them, sometimes more than with your own children. And then, boom, teacher cannot even touch a child, because they will be accused of everything possible. Children are the same, they want to play, they tell lies, they cry, make scenes and they also need affection. It’s up to us, adults, what we do with it. *SPOILER* It wasn’t Klara’s fault she said something like that. Haven’t you ever had a crush on your teacher? Come on, don’t even try to trick me. Those were the adults who instead being objective, chose the easier path. It was easier to destroy Lucas’s life. Or perhaps they actually wanted that. *END OF SPOILER* Films about how society act in certain situations are always intriguing. On one hand you like them for being realistic, but on the other, they show what a horrible bunch of vicious people we are. This film really gave me a lot of food for thought. Now, go and eat it yourself.

My rating: 8/10
S.