Product: After The Wedding (Despues De La Boda) [NTSC/REGION 1 & 4 DVD. Import-Latin America] (2006)
Rating: 5.0
Depth & Range
Susan Bier's film "After the Wedding" is the first of her work I've seen. It is breathtaking. I'm so glad it was nominated for an Oscar, although I wonder why a flock of other international nominations did not also occur. Mads Mikkelsen who gained recognition as the villain in the James Bond filmCasino Royale (2-Disc Widescreen Edition), does a good job with a tightly controlled performance as Jacob Peterson. Peterson works in an orphanage in India and then must fly back to his home country of Denmark to seek funds. Mikkelsen's good looks and powerful spats with Helene show him to be an actor with depth and range. Rolf Lassgard's Jorgan is well played with a powerful scene toward the end of the film. Jogan's wife Helene is played by Sidse Babette Knudsen who does an excellent job, making believable the woman in this situation. Christian Tafdrup plays Christian, the groom at the wedding. His good looks make him a good choice; and he shows his colors early on, which rapidly flare into his newlywed estrangement. Stine Fischer Christensen plays Anna, the daughter who must adjust to several paternal adjustments as well as a marital one. Neeral Mulchandani is charming as Pamrod who has been raised by Jacob in India. The film sparkles, constantly moving and developing the story until it reaches its conclusion. We have a sense of where life will go for all of the characters. I found this a breathtaking family drama, well worth seeking. Bravo!