After The Wedding (2006)
Picture:
C+ Sound: C+ Extras: C+ Film: B-
Mads
Mikkelsen is now internationally recognized as the villain from the Daniel
Craig James Bond film Casino Royale
(2006, reviewed elsewhere on this site) and was a well-established actor before
that huge hit. That would leave renewed
interest in his work for people to see how good he is outside of the 007
franchise and a good place to start is Susanne Bier’s ambitious drama After The Wedding (2006) now on DVD.
Mikkelsen
is Jacob, a good guy who runs an orphanage in India. It is barely getting by, it is in one of the
poorest places n that country and he is the father figure for some great kids
who deserve a second chance. In order to
help the orphanage, he goes back to his home in Denmark to get the help of the
wealthy Jorgen (Rolf Lassgard) who has some secrets to hide and even invites
Jacob to his wedding. What seems simple
and pat begins a cycle of crazy events that challenge Jacob’s morals and reveal
all kinds of secrets that will impact all involved.
Bier
directs this film with some skill and the mostly unknown cast is very
good. Though the overall film does not
have the total impact expected after doing so much and having solid writing for
its nearly two-hours, its critical accolades make enough sense and I was glad I
saw it. You should too.
The
anamorphically enhanced 1.85 X 1 image is soft, looks like it was shot on
digital High Definition and has detail hazing, depth limits and does not always
look as good as it could. The Dolby
Digital 5.1 mix is not bad, but this is very dialogue-based and rarely uses its
surrounds to any extent. Extras include
deleted scenes of interest and an on-camera interview with Bier.
- Nicholas Sheffo
