234. Another Round (Druk); movie review

 

 

ANOTHER ROUND (DRUK)

Cert 12A

117 mins

BBFC advice: Contains infrequent strong language, moderate sex, substance abuse

It feels as if Mads Mikkelsen has been entertaining us all of our lives and yet he only made it big after the age of 40.

Perhaps that why he is still so hungry for the best roles in his 50s.

I can't think of another actor who has avoided being pigeonholed quite so successfully. Not bad for a Bond villain.

His character, Martin, in Another Round is a heck of a lot less sure of himself than Le Chiffre in Casino Royale.

It is an understatement that Martin has lost his way - he is uninspired in the classroom having felt his passion for teaching ebb away and he and his wife (Maria Bonnevie) barely talk.

He is even low key at the birthday meal of his close friend (Magnus Millang), prompting his best pals to cajole him into joining them in a drinking session.

Alcohol brings out lightness and sparks a discussion about a scientific theory that modest inebriation opens minds, diminishes our problems and increases creativity.

Actually, the Norwegian academic to whom the theory is attributed has said it is a misinterpretation of his findings.

Anyway, the four pals decide to try it out and agree to drink during the day when they are teaching but not imbibe after 8pm.

Initially, it works a treat and they find themselves rekindling the joys of life.

However, it soon becomes clear that alcohol is not the permanent answer to their problems and may well add to them.

Mikkelsen is terrific as the central figure while Millang, Thomas Bo Larsen and Lars Ranthe provide excellent partners in drink.

And while Thomas Vinterberg's film isn't funny in a conventional way it has uplifting properties while also delving into the mental fragilities of the four teachers.

I'm not certain that it deserved an Oscar but it is certainly worth watching.

Reasons to watch: Orginal concept and Mads Mikkelsen

Reasons to avoid: Mixed messages over alcohol

Laughs: None

Jumps: None

Vomit: Yes

Nudity: None

Overall rating: 8/10

Did you know? Our bodies can make up to about an ounce of pure alcohol each day. That’s equal to almost two alcoholic drinks.

The final word. Thomas Vinterberg: 'This film is probably the most honest film I’ve done, maybe since film school. It’s so un-calculated, and it’s such a mix of genres and emotions and private strategy and joyfulness of us working together, that it was somehow beyond our control. And we were disarmed when we did it, completely disarmed because of the death of my daughter, and the whole situation this film was made under." Interview

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