What’s Going On?

Four middle-aged teacher friends decide to revitalise their lives by constantly having their blood alcohol content be at 0.05% after reading an article by a psychiatrist suggesting that is the optimal state for humans. This small amount of alcohol relaxes you, makes you slightly more confident and brings out your best without getting towards the negative impacts of alcohol. The four set clear rules for their “experiment” and set off to see what will happen and how it will impact their lives.

Behind the Scenes

The film is directed by Thomas Vinterberg and written by Vinterberg and Tobias Lindholm. Vinterberg is the co-founder of the Dogme 95 filmmaking movement and director of The Hunt and Far From The Madding Crowd. Lindholm has collaborated on a number of films with Vinterberg.

In Front of the Camera

The four leads are Mads Mikkelsen (Martin), Thomas Bo Larsen (Tommy), Magnus Millang (Nikolaj) and Lars Ranthe (Peter), and if one character is lead it is Martin. Mads Mikkelsen is a great actor and has been in everything from poker-playing-blood-crying villain Le Chiffre in Casino Royale to Enlightenment-inspired physician Johann Friedrich Struensee in A Royal Affair. It’s easy to take against Mikkelsen – already exceptionally talented he seems to get better looking with each passing year.

Does It work?

Another Round is a great comedy-drama and manages to contain genuine laughs, inspiring moments and horrible bleakness. The experiment is started after Martin breaks down into tears at Nikolaj’s 40th birthday party about how he isn’t happy, how he and his wife don’t talk and how he doesn’t feel like him anymore. In his younger days he was a little wild, he practised jazz ballet (no, I don’t know what that is either) and was full of passion about teaching but that seems to have ebbed away. Each of the four has their own sadness: Nikolaj weighed down by family life and problems with his wife, Peter who regrets never having children and Tommy who just seems a little discontented. They all realise they are breaking some very serious societal rules and actual workplace rules so keep it secret.

While alcohol is what they use to bring about the change I don’t think it’s really about alcohol – it’s about unhappiness. If Nikolaj had found an article suggesting a different way perhaps they would have done that or maybe it was just an excuse to give in to bad urges and shrug off responsibilities. All four are prepared to transgress in order to get their happiness, get back what they feel they have lost. The experiment does seem to work well and Martin’s history classes go from boring and disjointed lectures to energised, entertaining and effective lessons. Martin, presumably helping to justify what he is doing, spends time in his history class comparing the relative drinking habits of Winston Churchill, Franklin D Roosevelt and Adolf Hitler – the first two being famous for their alcohol consumption whereas Hitler being far more abstentious.

The film does show the full gamut of the behaviour caused by drinking – pleasantly relaxed, hedonistic excess, poor choices, good-natured fun, despair, indignity and shame but is by no means an anti-drinking or pro-drinking film. There is no prohibition theme of the inherently destructive nature of drinking nor an uncritical celebration of the enjoyment people have when drinking.

As could probably be deduced this experiment has a share of problems but it shows an attitude and perspective rarely seen in films. There is not an easy lesson to be learned, there is no judgement and moralising. For much of the bad behaviour, there is no comeuppance, there were several times I thought hints were being given to later consequences – but they never happened. There is a Hollywood remake already in the pipeline and I will be fascinated to see if they add in layers of hectoring and tell you the lessons that should be learned.

The film is exceptionally powerful when dealing with the unhappiness in the characters’ lives. I’ve heard the film described as being about a mid-life crisis but there are scenes of much younger people struggling and unable to find happiness and I think to see it purely as about mid-life crisis misses the deeper feelings of the characters. We get the clearest look at Martin’s life – his teaching, his time with his wife, his children – and our perspective of what is going on in his life and the reasons for his unhappiness change over the course of the film. Martin’s life, Anika’s life (this is his wife), his children’s lives are all shown as complex and difficult, with their own challenges, their own pain, their own unhappiness.

The ending of Another Round is genuinely spectacular and very moving and not the ending I was expecting at all. We get to see the true range of Mikkelsen’s talents and are left unsure as to what the future would hold for any of the characters. Speaking of Mikkelsen he is sensational in this film, at times we feel sympathetic and others appalled. The whole cast is very good but I especially also liked Maria Bonnevie who played Anika who had an exceptionally difficult role and was fantastic.

Rating: (4.5 / 5)

To sum up, Another Round is a great film – full of complexity, dark humour and first-rate acting.

Also Read: What To Watch When Cinemas Reopen

The post Review: Another Round appeared first on Big Picture Film Club.

So today we’re giving you some new holiday films to watch by recommending the best Christmas movies from the past decade. To ensure a wide variety of selections the films will be recommended by genre.

Best New Christmas Animation: Arthur Christmas

On Christmas Eve a child’s present gets misplaced. But Santa (Jim Broadbent) and his cold, technical son Steve (Hugh Laurie) aren’t interested in its delivery. So, Santa’s clumsy other son Arthur (James McAvoy), Grandsanta (Bill Nighy), and elf Bryony (Ashley Jensen) decide to do something.

Arthur Christmas is charming. Updating the Santa story for modern audiences with Aardman’s trademark whimsicalness. The voice work is stellar. Bill Nighy’s and Jim Broadbent’s older Santa’s are particularly great, and James McAvoy’s Arthur is infectiously endearing. The modern and traditional Christmas designs blend wonderfully. And its message of unity taking Christmas into the future is incredibly meaningful. Arthur Christmas will put a smile on everyone’s face.

Best New Christmas Drama: The Hunt (2012)

In this Danish drama, teacher Lucas (Mads Mikkelsen) is falsely accused by his student Klara (Annika Wedderkopp) of doing something heinous. As a result, his friends, colleagues, and neighbours turn on him and his family. 

The Hunt is much darker than your average Christmas film, but the holiday setting adds a poignant edge as people begin casting stones at Lucas. The writing is hard-hitting while also making everyone recognisably human in their actions. And Mads Mikkelsen gives one of his best performances. The Hunt shows that innocent people are capable of doing cruel things to each other. But that we are also capable of something more.

Best New Christmas Romance: Carol

Carol is about shy wannabe photographer Therese (Rooney Mara) and Carol (Cate Blanchett), who is fighting a custody battle. When they meet in the store where Therese works, there is instant electricity between them. Which over the course of the holiday becomes a relationship. But can their love survive the time they live in?

Carol is a beautiful movie to watch around the holidays. The cold snowy backdrop beautifully contrasts the warm central relationship (Blanchett and Mara are fantastic), the festive red and green hues in the production design, and the themes of love and togetherness perfectly fit the holiday setting. So, if you want to get lovey-dovey this year, snuggle up and watch Carol.

Best New Christmas Comedy: Tangerine

Tangerine follows transgender sex workers Sin-Dee (Kitana Kiki Rodriguez) and Alexandra (Mya Taylor) on Christmas Eve as they scour Los Angeles for the pimp who broke Sin-Dee’s heart.

Tangerine is a foul-mouthed inversion of traditional Christmas films. There’s no snow, Santa, and little jollity. The characters spend their time mostly hurling abuse at each other. But because of that Tangerine feels refreshing. It shows us the lives of groups seldom represented in popular culture, in a very real way (Tangerine was filmed on an iPhone making it look more grounded). But it’s also scathingly funny and heartbreakingly moving thanks to a great script and the very talented unknown leads. Which is worth celebrating.

Best New Christmas Horror: Better Watch Out (2016)

This holiday horror focuses on Ashley (Olivia DeJonge) who is babysitting Luke (Levi Miller) while his parents are out. But things take a turn after it becomes clear that someone wants to get in the house. For what reason? You will never suspect. 

Despite the generic setup and some cringy moments, Better Watch Out is a treat to watch unfold, as its standard narrative soon gives way to something more engaging. The beautiful festive design (full of fairy lights and popping bright colours) and fun performances, especially that of Levi Miller, are also more than enough to keep you invested. By the end, you will be satisfied with this winter wonderland whirlwind.

Best New Christmas Musical: Anna and the Apocalypse  

It’s almost the Christmas holidays and Anna (Ella Hunt) has decided to go travelling when she leaves school, against her father’s (Mark Benton) wishes. But when zombies invade her hometown, she must work with her friends to save their loved ones.

Anna and the Apocalypse is a musical, horror, comedy, high school drama that works surprisingly well. The small-town comedy and zombie horror fit together perfectly. The drama feels earned thanks to the great writing and well-done performances. The music is a great extension of the character’s personalities. And the Christmas setting makes for some lovely set designs, gags, and Christmas inflected musical numbers. A real treat for music lovers.

So ends our list of some of the best Christmas movies of the past decade. Please tell us your favourite festive movies from the last 10 years in the comments.

Also Read: Who Did It Better?: The Grinch

The post Best Christmas Movies of the Past Decade appeared first on Big Picture Film Club.

But which films should you check out? Today I am going to suggest seven films on the festival roster to look forward to. And tell you why they should be on your watchlist. Let’s begin.

Another Round (Druk) (Drama)

Danish director Thomas Vinterberg has reteamed with The Hunt‘s Mads Mikkelsen for this drama about four high school teachers. Their aim – to see if life is improved by maintaining a consistent alcohol blood level. With a killer premise, helmed by a great director and one of today’s best actors, Another Round should be an interesting ride. And if it’s half as good as The Hunt, audiences will definitely be pleased.

The Cheaters (Classic Crime)

The festival also includes some restored and recovered films for classic film lovers. One of the more interesting ones being the oldest film at the festival. Made by filmmaking pioneers the McDonagh’s sisters and restored by the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia; it follows the story of an embezzler’s daughter falling for the son of her father’s worst enemy. 1929s The Cheaters is one of Australia’s major surviving silent films. And audiences can now see it as originally intended.

Friendship’s Death (Classic Sci-Fi)

Another older entry in the London Film Festival’s program is this science fiction film about an alien android named Friendship (Tilda Swinton). Who lands on earth in the midst of the Jordanian Black September War. And begins debating with a journalist about if humanity is worth saving. Swinton is one of the all-time greatest actresses. So the opportunity to see an early performance from her in even more detail, thanks to a restored print, is too great to refuse.

Mangrove (TV)

The latest project from Steve McQueen, the Oscar-winning director behind great films like 12 Years a Slave. Mangrove is part of McQueen’s Small Axe series. Which is based on the real experiences of the London West Indian community. It focuses on the trial of nine activists falsely accused of inciting a riot at Notting Hill’s Mangrove restaurant. With McQueen’s involvement and the current political climate regarding race and the police, this looks to be a hard-hitting; important watch.

Relic (Horror)

There has been a lot of buzz around Relic since its Sundance debut earlier this year. The film centres on a mother and daughter as they try to look after their grandmother. However, the grandmother’s house slowly begins to be infiltrated by supernatural forces that seemingly parallel the onset of the grandmother’s dementia. It has already been compared to Hereditary and The Babadook. So, if you’re looking for an atmospheric, symbolic horror film, Relic will be right up your alley.

Ultraviolence (Documentary)

This documentary explores various deaths that have occurred at the hands of the UK police force. As well as the heart-break many families have suffered because of it. This doc may be too much for some. With a warning given on the festival website, due to footage of real violence. But in a year that has seen worldwide condemnation of police violence, Ultraviolence looks to shine a light on the dark side of UK law and order.

Wolfwalkers (Animation)

The latest offering from Cartoon Saloon, who previously made Oscar Nominee’s Song of the Sea and The Breadwinner; Wolfwalkers is the beautiful animated story of Robyn, who journeys with her father from England to Ireland to destroy the wolf population. But Robyn’s resolve is soon tested when she befriends Mebh, an Irish wolfwalker (someone who becomes a wolf when they sleep). With gorgeous designs, an intriguing story, and an acclaimed studio backing it, Wolfwalkers could be another awards contender in the making.

So ends our list of London Film Festival films to look forward to. You can find more information about these and other festival film screenings on their online program. And lastly please share your thoughts on these films if you get the opportunity to see them.

Also Read: BAFTA: Steering Towards Greater Inclusion

The post Must-See Films at London Film Festival 2020 appeared first on Big Picture Film Club.