The lives of two Danish families cross each other, and an extraordinary but risky friendship comes into bud. But loneliness, frailty and sorrow lie in wait.
It's undeniably thoughtful and impressively crafted by the talented Bier but its pair of parallel storylines don't live up to all that Oscar hype.
It’s a powerfully acted work, especially by newcomer Jonk Nielsen, and Bier punctuates proceedings by some striking landscape images of both Denmark and Africa. A pity then to note that In a Better World ultimately loses its way amid a flurry of last-minute rescues and familial reconciliations, reflecting an obligation perhaps to live up to the film’s idealistic title.
A compelling coming-of-age story and an intriguing examination of notions of masculinity.
Bier’s craft is impeccable; she balances these seemingly disparate but thematically relevant plots with a dramatic flair that provokes relentless tension. Jumping to and from Denmark and Sudan initially relieves this anxiety, but the audience is quickly reminded of the universal permeation of these concepts and the struggle they present to perceptions of masculinity.
Susanne Bier won this year’s foreign-film Oscar for her latest drama, a well-acted if glibly configured statement about violence begetting violence on two continents.
The sentiments behind the film are praiseworthy, but it's not quite enough.
Only in the last reel does its sure touch falter, with Bier seemingly unable to let her story go.
A thought-provoking, powerfully acted and resonant exploration of rough justice in the modern world.
It’s not bad, just not particularly good.
It's engaging enough, but its conclusions are a little pat.
The movie holds your attention, but you leave discussing the manipulative plot rather than the moral issues it raises.
Susanne Bier's social drama boldly admits that the situation has its complications, only to iron those complications out in time for the disappointingly neat and tidy ending.
Though sometimes guilty of not quitting while it is ahead, terrific performances from kids and adults alike means it’s rarely less than utterly gripping.
General release. Check local listings for show times.