"In a Better World" is a film that lives up more strongly to its English title than its Danish title. It is an accomplished film that elegantly introduces the moral conflicts we battle internally. At one point I became increasingly frustrated with what seemed to be cowardice thinly veiled by pacifist propaganda ─ particularly during the scene between the Doctor and the mechanic where he is repeatedly slapped in the face.
Perhaps the reason why this scene in particular makes me cringe is because culturally I react to the notion than to be slapped in the face is perhaps even more offensive than being punched. A fist to the face is an assertion of one's pride, whereas a slap in the face is interpreted as a deliberate act of humiliation.But as the story unravels, you realize all prior scenes ─ particularly that one ─ set up and elevate the effect of what is a redeeming, powerful, yet nostalgic ending.
The female lead delivers the most heart breaking performance in the film, but the most note worthy are those delivered by the children who seem to have full grasp of the sophisticated storyline at their young age. The director clearly has instructed them to deliver the pain felt by their characters in a convincing way without the need to reduce them in intellect as many other filmmakers often feel inclined to do with child roles.
I would strongly recommend this movie to anyone who is intrigued by international films - start here.
Perhaps the reason why this scene in particular makes me cringe is because culturally I react to the notion than to be slapped in the face is perhaps even more offensive than being punched. A fist to the face is an assertion of one's pride, whereas a slap in the face is interpreted as a deliberate act of humiliation.But as the story unravels, you realize all prior scenes ─ particularly that one ─ set up and elevate the effect of what is a redeeming, powerful, yet nostalgic ending.
The female lead delivers the most heart breaking performance in the film, but the most note worthy are those delivered by the children who seem to have full grasp of the sophisticated storyline at their young age. The director clearly has instructed them to deliver the pain felt by their characters in a convincing way without the need to reduce them in intellect as many other filmmakers often feel inclined to do with child roles.
I would strongly recommend this movie to anyone who is intrigued by international films - start here.