The Bench
(2000)
|
|
| 0Share... |
The Bench
(2000)
|
|
| 0Share... |
| Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
| Jesper Christensen | ... |
Kaj
|
|
|
|
Marius Sonne Janischefska | ... | |
|
|
Stine Holm Joensen | ... |
Liv
|
| Nicolaj Kopernikus | ... |
Stig
|
|
| Jens Albinus | ... |
Kim
|
|
| Sarah Boberg | ... |
Connie
(as Sarah Kjærgaard Boberg)
|
|
| Benjamin Boe Rasmussen | ... |
Bo
|
|
| Lars Brygmann | ... | ||
|
|
Lars Ranthe | ... |
Kaptajnen
|
|
|
Holger Perfort | ... |
Hr. Nandrup
|
|
|
Britta Lillesøe | ... |
Lis
|
|
|
John Martinus | ... |
Toiletpasser
|
|
|
Petrine Agger | ... | |
|
|
Ann Kristine Schmidt | ... |
Receptionist
|
| Anette Støvelbæk | ... |
Kims Nabo
|
|
Kaj is an alcoholic living on the money the Danish state is providing him. Him and his friends spend their time drinking beer at a public bench. One day Kaj's life turns upside down when a young lady and her child moves in next to him.
We've all of us seen them: the alcoholics wasting their lives sitting on our cities' benches. What we don't see is the drama behind the alcohol.
What struck me while watching Baenken is that it is all so believable and therefore the more painful to watch. The story of this film becomes less important than the leading character's death wish. His cynical attitude towards life and suicidal drinking habits are what sticks in one's mind.
Jesper Christensen is masterful in portraying the misery, the shame and hopelessness that go with alcoholism. The drinking bout in which he cries while lying wounded in his apartment is gut wrenching to watch.
Not an easy film to watch but definitely worthwhile if one has the stomach for it.