Product: After The Wedding (Despues De La Boda) [NTSC/REGION 1 & 4 DVD. Import-Latin America] (2006)
Rating: 5.0
Skeletons in closets...
The issues involved in "After the Wedding" are so over the top as to be almost unbelievable. Still, director Susanne Bier has kept the events from being sappy melodrama.Without blabbing away too much of the plot, Jacob (Mads Mikkelson) runs an orphanage in India, in sad financial state, and is given an offer he can't refuse. He goes back to Denmark to meet his benefactor (Rolf Lassgard), and here's where loads of angst and deception develop. Turns out Jacob and the benefactor's wife have history (young, baby-booming hippie lovers, at one time). When invited to their daughter's wedding, realizations happen and all hell breaks loose. Stine Fischer Christensen (as Anna, the daughter) is remarkable, and her mother, Helene (Sidse Babett Knudsen) is even better, letter-perfect. The benefactor, Jorgen, seems to have the upper hand, but as everything unfolds, true and honest characterizations develop. Can't say much more without giving away essential plot points, but I was riveted and highly entertained. The DVD extras are insightful, especially interviews with the director. The film is beautfully shot, and all the acting is excellent. I also enjoyed Christian Tafdrup, as the groom of the title-wedding. Nothing is ever as it seems, and revelations among the characters keep "After the Wedding" always interesting. The surprise Oscar nomination was well-deserved. Too bad it wasn't promoted better in it's American release. Very fine!