BRODRE. (2005)
Directed by Susanne Bier
One of Susanne Bier’s three great Danish films this decade (in addition to a terrific American debut in THINGS WE LOST IN THE FIRE), BRODRE is notable for the great performances, from Ulrich Thomsen and Nikolaj Lie Kass as the titular brothers and Connie Nielsen as Thomsen’s wife.
Thomsen plays a soldier in the UN army, who is sent to Afghanistan, where his helicopter is shot down, and he is kidnapped. Back home, he’s presumed dead, and his feckless younger brother grows into the role of uncle to his kids, and friend and comforter of his wife.
As with her previous film, OPEN HEARTS, Bier creates a believable family situation, where the story can develop in believable ways, and allow the characters to grow and resemble real people. That these characters are all sympathetic, despite each displaying unlikable characteristics, they’re quintessentially human beings, is a credit to the director.
It’s an acting masterclass, though, and of the three excellent performances, it is Nielsen’s that resonates the strongest. She’s had a Hollywood career, but this is, by far, her strongest turn. In her hands, a potentially clichéd character is anything but, strong and vulnerable, relieved and scared almost in the same moments. She also has incredible chemistry with Nikolaj Lie Kass, and, of a different type, with Thomsen, which contributes greatly to the film’s power.
The recent remake is very faithful to Bier’s film, but as it’s a retread, contains little of the same spirit or invention. I would urge you to check this original instead.
No comments:
Post a Comment