After the Wedding (Efter brylluppet)
Academy Award Nominee - Best Foreign Language Film
Jacob Petersen (Mads Mikkelsen) has dedicated his life to helping street children in India. When the orphanage he's in charge of is threatened by closure, he receives an unusual offer. A Danish businessman, Jørgen, offers him a donation of $4 million dollars. There are, however, certain conditions... Not only must Jacob return to Denmark, he must also take part in the wedding of Jorgen's daughter. The wedding proves to be a critical juncture between past and future and catapults Jacob into the most intense dilemma of his life.
Member Reviews
Bad Cover - Great Movie - LAPzip
By looking at the cover, I did'nt expect much a movie. But has the saying says: "Don't judge a book by it's cover" (In this case Don't judge a movie by it's cover).
This is a movie touched me from beginning to end. I loved how the director tells his story with visual more than with words (True Cinematic Language).
The director is Susanne Bier. She is recognized as one of the most influential directors in Denmark.
She also did a movie called Brothers (The new American Version was released this month) and thought that it was also a powerful movie.
To be honest After The Wedding had a great cast, a great story and a bad cover ;-)
Enjoy it alone at night or with a loved one that appreciate dramas!A DUAL FILM - Len11670
An extraordinary Danish film that overlays the lives of the have and the have-nots; set in India and Denmark, After the Wedding depicts the duality in this world and yet the similar miseries there are among us. Jacob sees them both and has a choice to make. Great direction and script, this is one of those films that even though it turns melodramatic at one point it is still a well rounded project.Stine Fischer Christensen - Stitch
Remember the name. Because this young actress is simply outstanding-- from naive young woman to proud bride to the adult vicissitudes of a very rich story. As such, she won Best Supporting Actress (Denmark) and has been included with the ten top young European actors of 2007. Alone she makes this film memorable. Rolf Lassgård as her father is equally impressive in a complex role, subtly demanding. The lead was also well chosen and the balance of the cast is complimentary and effective.
This is a film of love, of family in all its permutations, of loss and redemption. You may clue in fairly early to the underlying theme, but it is not without surprises. And the screenplay does not play games or plant red herrings; it deals realistically with the impact of the evolving life stories. The pace is deliberate initially but slow is good; you need the information to better savour what eventually transpires.
There are scenes that may appear out of character. They are not, as you will realize later. A very adult treatment of a fine story. And there is a scene between father and adopted daughter you will not easily forget; a coda that may serve you well some day. The cinematography is high quality, with the unusually frequent use of extreme close-ups in some of the personal interactions. I was not convinced it did anything except to suggest, aren’t we innovative. But it’s a minor point and does not distract.
Before The Wedding was nominated for an Oscar for Best Foreign Film. Unfortunately the last third of the film probably did it in. It’s as if the director suddenly acknowledges Academy preferences and North American tastes. The sentimental clichés trickle in, all the more apparent since happily absent prior. Add to this a contrived ending with a bit of surprisingly inept dubbing.
But regardless, very highly recommended for adult tastes appreciative of acting excellence.
Member Reviews
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Bad Cover - Great Movie - LAPzip
By looking at the cover, I did'nt expect much a movie. But has the saying says: "Don't judge a book by it's cover" (In this case Don't judge a movie by it's cover).
This is a movie touched me from beginning to end. I loved how the director tells his ...A DUAL FILM - Len11670
An extraordinary Danish film that overlays the lives of the have and the have-nots; set in India and Denmark, After the Wedding depicts the duality in this world and yet the similar miseries there are among us. Jacob sees them both and has a choice to make. ...Stine Fischer Christensen - Stitch
Remember the name. Because this young actress is simply outstanding-- from naive young woman to proud bride to the adult vicissitudes of a very rich story. As such, she won Best Supporting Actress (Denmark) and has been included with the ten top young European ...