
The Celebration
1998, Comedy/Drama, 1h 45m
46 Reviews 10,000+ RatingsWhat to know
critics consensus
As sharp and ruthless as the family dynamic that powers its plot, The Celebration blends tragedy and comedy to brilliant effect. Read critic reviews
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The Celebration Photos
Movie Info
Cast & Crew
Christian Klingenfeldt
Faderen, Father Helge Klingenfeldt
Michael
Helene
Moderen, Mother
Pia
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Critic Reviews for The Celebration
Audience Reviews for The Celebration
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Jan 10, 2014The first film of the Dogme 95 movement is this riveting - and remarkably well put together - amalgam of hilarious farce and devastating family drama, where the dirty laundry is washed in an extremely revealing criticism of a bourgeoisie trying to maintain its status quo.Carlos M Super Reviewer
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Jun 22, 2013A gut wrenching film directed under the Dogme 95 Manifesto by Thomas Vinterberg. Under the rules of this manifesto the film has be free of special effects and use of technology that would take attention away from the story or the acting, hence making use of natural light, sound, and camera movements only made by hand. As a result the gamble pays off only when the acting is top notch and the story is gripping enough, and Festen absolutely does.Nicolas K Super Reviewer
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Oct 22, 2012Hard-hitting family drama with shocking revelations during a landmark birthday party. Potent cinema verite direction makes this an uncomfortable affair. The actor who plays the loutish brother is one of the most believably despicable film characters ever.Doctor S Super Reviewer
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Apr 03, 2011Simple, stripped-down film by Danish auteur Thomas Vinterberg, made under the Dogme 95 manifesto which, among other things, promotes shooting with a handheld camera while restricting the use of artificial lighting. The realistic, almost home-video style and look of the film makes it feel natural, organic, unrehearsed. Having seen a stage adaptation a few years ago, the film's main revelation did not come as a shock to me, but it wasn't any less devastating, thanks in great part to Ulrich Thomsen's work, a restrained performance that stands out even more when compared to some of his costars' overacting.
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