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Everyone enjoys a nice solid look into some else’s life, especially when there’s plenty of skeletons crawling out of the closet. But 'After the Wedding' removes the safety net of a voyeurs distance and draws you into the inner workings and outer betrayals of disjointed Danish family.
Jacob (Mikkelsen) has withdrawn into the heady kaleidoscope of Mumbai, India, taking on the orphans of the street as his own for reasons he keeps to himself. But his exile comes to an end when a potential benefactor, who holds the key to the orphanage’s survival, demands to shake Jacob’s hand back in his Danish homeland before the money changes bank accounts. Jacob reluctantly makes the journey, a video of oily eyed children his talisman.
Jorgen, the floppy hair, saggy jowled benefactor uses his big frame to both intimidate and seduce. It is his innocent insistence that Jacob should join him at his daughters wedding that knocks the first stone of the avalanche.
And, like any other review of this film, that’s where I’m going to leave the storyline. To reveal it would remove the whole point of watching the film. But although you’ll be watching for about 2 hours the story moves along a pace that allows it all to sink in sufficiently before delivering the next blow.
The cinematography is beautiful, with generous close ups that draw you in uncomfortably to the rawness of the human emotion you’re watching. This is further enhanced by the powerful performance that the whole cast contributes. And listening to the garbled Danish language and reading sub titles does nothing to dilute this.
This film will draw you in and make you feel part of the story as you unveil the secrets along with the characters. It is unforgiving in how intimately you will become involved, and don’t expect to leave this film behind when you exit the cinema. It will resonate with you long after the lights come on.
Credits
Director:
Susanne Bier
Writer:
Anders Thomas Jensen (screenplay) and Susanne Bier (story)
Cast:
Mads Mikkelsen, Rolf Lassgård, Sidse Babett Knudsen, Stine Fischer Christensen
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