Ole Christian Madsen follows up on his debut Pizza King with this Dogma 95 approved character study of a woman on the verge of a nervous breakdown. At the film's outset, Mads (Lars Mikkelsen) dumps his girlfriend and picks up his wife at the local mental asylum. Upon being cast out of the peace and quiet of the institution, Mads' wife Kira (Stine Stengade) is noticeably agitated about being out in the real world. Of course, the lavish surprise "welcome home" party that Mads planned for her does
little to allay her jitters. She quickly flees from the party and runs into her estranged, diffident father (Reine Brynolfsson). Embarrassed and furious at his wife's behavior, he tracks her down and drags her back home. Over the following days, Kira finds herself increasingly incapable with dealing with life's little agitations. Mads in turns responds by withdrawing from his wife, often with their children in tow. Eventually, Kira's fragile psyche collapses and as the source of her psychological trouble is revealed. This film was screened at the 2001 Toronto Film Festival. ~ Jonathan Crow, Rovi
Tying up the psychological loose ends of a movie that promised so much more, the trite ending subscribes to the bogus therapeutic notion that one good cry and a confession of vulnerability can wipe away a lifetime of repression.
An incredibly touching ride along the jilting, jarring ups-and-downs of a deeply, madly loving relationship, where two people never quit trying, and failing, together.
While Madsen and his Dogme 95 colleagues seek to overcome Hollywood's influence, Kira's Reason is an indication that they are a product of the same patriarchy.
In Stine Stengade's intensely engaging performance, Kira is always one step away from the abyss, although, without apparent effort, she manages to hang on.
Been sick so I've been watching all of the dogma 95 movies that I never caught in the past... I really liked this movie...apparently a lot more than most people. It was really beautiful.
I thought this movie was beautiful on all levels. From the writing, acting, production, etc. I was mesmerized by it all. Anyone who says that men don't understand women should consider how the male writer and director could get it so "right". Love the whole Dogma 95 thing.
June 22, 2008
Sandra Caldwell
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