Rent After the Wedding (2006)

Moving and real - After the Wedding review by NG

I saw one of Bier's films many years ago and still remember how that film moved me and held me throughout. This film, after the wedding, does the same. Some of the Danish actors are now more familiar to us with the advent of popular Danish drama on uk telly. The lead in Borgen and the last version of wallander will bring you these actors into this film. The twist to this film question your beliefs about the 'goody' 'baddies' archetypes. It is ultimately a film about love and compassion, both for the world in general, for one's family and for oneself.

Wonderful watching and it's one of the rentals I wish I could hold on to forever.

Brilliant - After the Wedding review by BE

Thoroughly engrossing movie, superb camera work and wonderful acting. I couldn't take my eyes off the drama unrolling on the screen. Loved it.

1st World Problems. - After the Wedding review by Steve

One from Susanne Bier's peak Danish period in the 00s which lost momentum in English language film and tv. After Brothers (2004) she moves further from the style of Dogme 95, though the subject and themes are similar. And this was another critical success which led to an inferior Hollywood remake.

These films- in association with longstanding co-writer Anders Thomas Jensen- typically have highly designed plots which trace connections between the personal and the political. Rooted in the disputes of both the family and global conflict, they dig deep into the personalities and relationships.

This one starts at a wedding, but takes place in the interface between business and humanitarian relief. Mads Mikkelsen plays the identification character, a frontline aid worker in Kolkata. But the protagonist is Rolf Lassgård as a rich businessman who might be interested in becoming a benefactor.

Except... he makes incredible demands. This is about the pressure his manipulative self-interest inflicts upon others, even if most accept it because of his wealth. It isn't the director's best, but is typical of her ultra-intimate approach, with the multilayered performances, and is actually, quietly horrifying.