This is an excellent study of illicit love, emotional need and family breakdown, which is reminiscent of the work of Cassavetes or Woody Allen in his serious mode. Slightly disappointing that, as a DOGME film, it’s subject matter is so similar to the first of the series - ‘Breaking the Waves,’ with the young couple’s marriage plans/wedding being devastated when the man is crippled, and his subsequent rejection and cruelty to his lover. This film is much gentler in tone though, and rejects the big issues and relentlessness of Von Triers film for a more quiet, level study of longing and broken lives.

Despite the pain Niels knows he is inflicting on his family, the viewer feels great sympathy and empathy with him, both, because his feelings have grown out of compassion, rather than lust and due to the immense warmth and humanity director, Bier makes us feel for all the characters. She really does manage to elicit quite perfect performances from the stunning ensemble cast. Mikkelsen smoulders as the alluringly sensitive, Niels. Richter (Cecilie) brings an accomplished, delicate depth to her screen debut as the confused, young woman. Nikolaj Lie Kaas’s strong, proud features are perfect for the stubborn, inwardly raging Joachim. Paprika Steen (Marie) continues to get better and better, from her role in ‘Festen’ where I first saw her and it is good to see the character of the jilted wife being given such a strong, but sympathetic voice. Steen becomes each role effortlessly and has a similar modest power to the wonderful Stockard Channing.

Susanne Bier’s extremely close-up photography - the camera seeming to caress the faces of the actors - gives a tangibly raw sense of intimacy and involvement with the characters. The pared down DOGME style also adds beautifully to the gritty realism of the piece. An utterly compelling, refreshingly simple and direct study of compassion, guilt and desire.

Laura Hird is the Orange and Whitbread nominated author of the collection, ‘Nail and Other Stories’ and novel, ‘Born Free.’ Her short stories have been published in numerous magazines and anthologies internationally. Her new collection of short stories is due to be published by Canongate Books in May 2005. She runs and edits her own loosely arts-related website on which she seeks out and publishes new poetry, short stories, reviews, interviews etc. She was born and lives in Edinburgh.

© 2004 Laura Hird All rights reserved.