At first sight brothers Michael (Ulrich Thomsen) and Jannick (Nikolaj Lie Kaas) couldn't be more dissimilar. Jannick, a selfish waster and drifter, has just been released from prison after a six month term for theft and assault.



Michael, a loving husband and father and experienced army officer is just about to embark on a mission to help rebuild the war ravaged infrastructure of Afghanistan.

Michael, like his Danish compatriots, is more used to peaceful intervention and is unprepared for the violence that awaits him.

When he is reported missing in action presumed dead, grief and necessity bring his wife Sarah (Connie Nielsen, in her first native Danish role since her Hollywood breakthrough) and children closer to Jannick.

A further development brings painful imbalance to their fragile relationship, presenting the family with yet another challenge. Can they again learn to adapt and to accept and nurture a damaged soul? As ever, director Bier (Open Hearts, LFF 2002) carefully balances scenes of tenderness, fun and disturbing cruelty, never overburdening the narrative flow.

Showing a great confidence in the audience and in her material, many moments of extreme emotion and aggression are elided, avoiding hyperbole and giving space for contemplation.

Although not following the Dogme strictures of her previous film, Bier's visual style maintains a similar freedom, bringing a powerful sense of immediacy to her story. ( Sarah Lutton )

Cast: Nikolaj Lie Kaas, Connie Nielsen, Ulrich Thomsen, Nikolaj Lie Kaas, Bent Mejding, Solbjّrg Hّjfeldt, Sarah Juel Werner, Rebecca Lّgstrup, Paw Henriksen, Maj-Britt Mathiesen

San Sebastian (Competition): Best Actor, Best Actress, Sundance (World Cinema Dramatic Competition): Audience Award, Edinburgh, Toronto, Birds Eye View (Susanne Bier Retrospective)