A One Mann’s Movies review of “Another Round” (2021).
Bob the Movie Man Rating:
After giving the most emotional and heartbreaking Oscar speech of the recent awards, Thomas Vinterberg’s International Feature winner is now in UK cinemas. “Druk” (Danish for “Binge Drinking”) is in the Danish language with subtitles: but don’t let that put you off.
And these are just the aperitifs. (Source: Trust Nordisk).
Plot Summary:
Martin (Mads Mikkelsen), Tommy (Thomas Bo Larsen), Nikolaj (Magnus Millang) and Peter (Lars Ranthe) are four middle-aged schoolteachers at a Danish school. All are world-weary in their own way. In particular, Martin – a history teacher – has lost his educational mojo and facing rebellion from both students and parents who need him to perform. “I don’t know how I ended up like this” he moans to his friends at dinner.
The quartet engages in an experiment with alcohol based on the research of a Norwegian psychologist Finn Skårderud. He postulated that humans are born with a 0.05% deficit in blood alcohol. If you were to rectify that shortfall, then you would be more positive and creative in your life.
The experiment appears to work, but as the bounds of the research get pushed to extremes then the results become increasingly unpredictable.
Can Martin find his sexual mojo with the frustrated Anika within tent? (Source: Trust Nordisk).
Certification:
Talent:
Starring: Mads Mikkelsen, Thomas Bo Larsen, Magnus Millang, Lars Ranthe, Maria Bonnevie.
Directed by: Thomas Vinterberg.
Written by: Thomas Vinterberg and Tobias Lindholm.
Go specs, go! (Source: Trust Nordisk).
“Another Round” Review:
Positives:
- Mads Mikkelsen delivers a stunning performance. He really delivers the goods. He was nominated for a BAFTA for the role but missed out on the Oscar nomination. This feels unjust. I would have personally swapped out Steven Yeun for this performance by Mads.
- Thomas Vinterberg was justly nominated for Best Director at both the BAFTAs and the Oscars. The movie never lacks momentum from beginning to end. I was thoroughly entertained.
- As the illustrious Mrs Movie Man commented, it’s quite unusual to see a ‘buddy movie’ concerning a group of men that’s not a cop film. It’s like a ‘chick-flick for blokes. I guess you need to go to “The Hangover” films to find an equivalent. (That of course also centres around alcohol. Are we really that shallow?!)
An emotional dinner date between Martin (Mads Mikkelsen) and wife Anika (Marie Bonnevie). (Source: Trust Nordisk).
Negatives:
- Up until a “church scene”, I thought the story was well-structured and coherent. But I’m not quite sure what message the finale of the movie was trying to send. Yes, it’s fun and full of energy. And Mikkelsen’s dancing is both bizarre and entertaining. But given all that’s gone before, is it a “what the hell, life is for living and alcohol is part of that” statement? I was unsure.
Bringing history to life with alcohol – in more ways than one. (Source: Trust Nordisk).
Summary Thoughts on “Another Round”:
The movie is dedicated to “Ada” – Vinterberg’s daughter, who was supposed to be acting in the film but tragically died in a car crash just four days into shooting. (Hence his emotional Oscar acceptance, which you can see here). The fact he managed to finish the movie at all is amazing. But the fact it’s so good is a great memorial to her.
It’s billed as a “comedy drama” but, although there are comic moments, it leans heavily on the “drama”. The Scandinavians in general tend to drink as much, if not more, than the British do. So this is a reminder of both the benefits and risks of the evil drink.
Trailer:
The trailer for “Another Round” is here – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=40X5EX6Us7c .
