 |  | Foreign Drama at its best!!! |  |
One wonders why Hollywood can't or doesnt make films like this anymore. Set in the beautiful Danish language, this story is very complex and well thought out. It had many twists and turns and you were left in suspense to how it would end until the very end. If you're a guy who doesnt like to cry in front of ladies, then better watch this alone. There is a scene in there that would grip any man by the trhoat and make him tear up -- its unavoidable!! I am so glad I have this in my collection. For people who like serious drama, this is an "absolute must have"!!
November 6, 2008**** 2006. Story and direction by the Danish director Susanne Bier. Nominated for the Academy award in the Best Foreign Language Film category. Jacob Pederson manages an orphanage in Bombay, India. Now, he has to fly home to Denmark in order to meet a potential donor who's also his former girlfriend's husband. With a twirling camera, inherited from the Dogma artistic movement, Susanne Bier handles a very interesting theme: can you make people happy in spite of them ? Can you, like an ancient god, rule people's lives without their knowledge and, most of all, is this interaction morally defendable when good comes of it ? I'll remember for a long time the performance of Rolf Lassgård as Jørgen Lennart Hannson, a man used to be obeyed and who never accepts no for an answer. Highly recommended.
July 28, 2008Susan Bier's film "After the Wedding" is the first of her work I've seen. It is breathtaking. I'm so glad it was nominated for an Oscar, although I wonder why a flock of other international nominations did not also occur. Mads Mikkelsen who gained recognition as the villain in the James Bond film Casino Royale (2-Disc Widescreen Edition), does a good job with a tightly controlled performance as Jacob Peterson. Peterson works in an orphanage in India and then must fly back to his home country of Denmark to seek funds. Mikkelsen's good looks and powerful spats with Helene show him to be an actor with depth and range. Rolf Lassgard's Jorgan is well played with a powerful scene toward the end of the film. Jogan's wife Helene is played by Sidse Babette Knudsen who does an excellent job, making believable the woman in this situation. Christian Tafdrup plays Christian, the groom at the wedding. His good looks make him a good choice; and he shows his colors early on, which rapidly flare into his newlywed estrangement. Stine Fischer Christensen plays Anna, the daughter who must adjust to several paternal adjustments as well as a marital one. Neeral Mulchandani is charming as Pamrod who has been raised by Jacob in India. The film sparkles, constantly moving and developing the story until it reaches its conclusion. We have a sense of where life will go for all of the characters. I found this a breathtaking family drama, well worth seeking. Bravo!
July 24, 2008 | | A contribution to your well being | |
This is a story about a mans ultimate gift to his beloved wife. A rich man is confirmed to be dying, and he arranges for his wife's former lover to reappear from his Mother Teresa-like existance in an India orphanage, teeming with despair, and caring for young children who are not as fortunate as their outside brethren. He had that sort of mindset when he is beckoned by one of his wealthiest benefactors, and he must go, despite his young friend's intrepidation. After meeting with the benefactor, he is invited to the man's daughter's wedding. It is here that the plot thickens, for he sees his long lost lover is the wife of the wealthy benefactor. Beyond that, the math puts the daughter to be his.
The acting by all players is genuine and believable. Well directed and a very pleasing movie to own or rent.
June 24, 2008Nominated for Best Foreign Language Film with loads of five-star reviews on Amazon. I choose to be the antidote to that.
It's a great movie, especially in the characterization, acting and mood departments. The plot starts out by asking me to accept a coincidence, then at the end rewards my faith by explaining it.
So there's nothing wrong with it, except perhaps being a little bit slow-moving, but if you go in expecting it to live up to all the reviews -- I didn't because I hadn't seen the reviews -- you might be disappointed.
I do think they should've found a way to film more of India. I like the contrast between Denmark and India -- very effective -- but I'm a bit of an India lover, and more India would've given us more contrast.
June 22, 2008More reviews at Amazon.com ...
(42 reviews)