There’s no denying that in the world of film, the character of the forlorn misfit has become deeply romanticized. Nearly anyone can identify with the troubled protagonist who, through some sort of personal battle, just can’t seem to fit in amongst the smiling faces around him. Some filmmakers exploit this connection, resulting in a jaded, self-indulgent product that makes one regret the day James Dean ever swaggered onto the screen with that irrepressible angst of his. In a Better World, winner of the Best Foreign Language Film at this year’s Academy Awards, grabs hold of these tired themes and revitalizes them with a sense of understanding and thoughtfulness. The film’s characters struggle with feelings of anger and reconciliation, but instead of allowing these feelings to manifest into a work of dismal introspection, the film utilizes them to ask more meaningful questions like, “When is the time for revenge and when is the time for forgiveness?” In A Better World is that refreshing blend of mental stimulus and pleasurable entertainment, sure to leave you with some food for thought.
Christian (William Jøhnk Nielsen) is a young boy who has just lost his mother to a painful battle with cancer. His father (Ulrich Thomsen) is at a loss as to how to handle Christian when his grief swiftly turns to anger - first at his father and then at the world around him. Anton (Mikael Persbrandt) is a peaceful man who witnesses unimaginable evil as a doctor at a refugee camp in Sudan, where he is forced to make ethical decisions regarding the treatment of a known war lord, responsible for the mutilation of many of his patients. But back in Denmark, he is an ordinary man trying to save his marriage and teach his son Elias (Markus Rygaard) the complex nature of empathy and passivity. When these characters come together it is a collision of ideologies, all leading up to a suspenseful climax in which Christian and Elias rebel against their peaceful parents and perform an act of violent revenge.
The director of In A Better World, Susanne Bier, said in an interview that an important theme of the film was “the fragility of an idealistic society.” This idea could not have been reflected more elegantly than in the beautiful landscape of Denmark - and even in the picturesque plains of the African desert. The beauty of what we see on screen is in direct opposition of the turbulent lives of the characters, reminding us that hardship is everywhere and it is unavoidable.
Bier also employs this juxtaposition approach in her casting. Anton is a very mild-tempered and peaceful man. When he is slapped in front of his children by an aggressive man at the playground, he simply walks away, telling the children that the man is weak and unworthy of any further thought. Mikael Persbrandt, Sweden’s resident tough guy, seems a far cry from Anton visually, but he brings such a confident warmth to his character that he is unwaveringly believable. After one look at Persbrandt’s overpowering physique, strong jaw, and array of tattoos one could safely assume his character capable of holding his own in a fight, but despite being put in numerous violent situations, he almost always lands on the side of the peacemaker, making for an intriguingly complex character.
In A Better World’s success ultimately comes down to its observations on the implications of violence. After Christian brutally attacks a school bully, his father is enraged at his recklessness. “If you hit him, he hits you and then it never ends!” Christian coolly responds, “Not if you hit hard enough the first time.” The response is enough to make you doubt the peaceful attitude that Anton so earnestly embodies. And therein lies the beautiful elegance of In A Better World. The film never feels heavy despite being, in essence, a two hour commentary on morality. Should one turn the other cheek? Anton would say yes. Christian, however, would almost certainly say that’s a sure way to two sore cheeks instead of one. So who is right? That’s for you to decide, but as In A Better World never fails to demonstrate, few things are black and white.
Blu-ray Bonus Features
Quality over quantity right? The Blu-ray edition only offers three special features including deleted scenes, an audio commentary with Director Susanne Bier and Editor Pernille Bech Christensen and an interview with Bier, all of which provide worthy insights into the making of the film.
"In A Better World" is on sale August 30, 2011 and is rated R. Drama, Foreign. Directed by Susanne Bier. Written by Anders Thomas Jensen. Starring Mikael Persbrandt, Trine Dyrholm, Ulrich Thomsen, William Jøhnk Nielsen .
