Pub.lished Movie Reviews
Another Round (2020)
The incomparable Mads Mikkelsen delivers a compelling performance as a school teacher whose life seems to be at a standstill. This changes when he and three of his colleagues decide to maintain a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.5% through measured day drinking.
Their experiment proves to be surprisingly successful, leading them to escalate their drinking habits. The movie as a whole is intoxicating, yet it serves as a stark reminder of the disastrous consequences of excessive drinking.
"We're not alcoholics. We decide when we want to drink. An alcoholic can't help himself."
- You are under the age of 18, as the movie contains scenes of drinking and adult themes
- You are sensitive to the topic of alcohol addiction
- You are looking for a light-hearted, family-friendly movie
- You struggle with subtitles, as the film is in Danish language
Warning: The following may contain spoilers:
What's the deal with "Another Round"? I mean, here you have four middle-aged Danish men who decide to test a theory that maintaining a certain level of alcohol in their blood would improve their lives. That's like someone telling me eating a tub of ice cream every day will give me a six-pack. I mean, I wish, but let’s get real here!
And these guys aren't just having a cheeky pint at the pub. Oh no, they've got flasks and bottles stashed everywhere, like squirrels preparing for a very boozy winter. It's like they're on an alcohol Easter egg hunt and the prize is a hangover.
And then there's the school where they teach. Can you imagine? "Hey kids, today's lesson is brought to you by the letter 'B' - for 'bourbon'!" That's one way to make math class more interesting, I guess. If the teachers are always a little tipsy, no wonder they're so relaxed about grading.
And let's talk about the theory they're testing. It was by some pseudo-intellectual who probably came up with it after his own five-day bender. It’s like deciding to live by the philosophy of a guy selling "The end is nigh" pamphlets on a street corner.
But the best part? They actually start to believe their lives are improving with this constant buzz. It's like watching a guy fall face-first into a pizza and declaring it the new best way to eat. I mean, come on!
In the end, "Another Round" is like a well-made cocktail - it's a bit bitter, a little sweet, and you're not quite sure if you should be having so much of it. But hey, it's such a wild ride, you can't help but ask for another.
The Hunt (2012):
Directed by Thomas Vinterberg, the same filmmaker behind "Another Round", "The Hunt" follows the story of a teacher's life that becomes shambles after a small lie turns into a large controversy. As in "Another Round", Vinterberg deftly explores multi-dimensional characters with great sensitivity, shedding light on the human condition with a mix of harsh reality and emotional depth.
Oslo, August 31st (2011):If you liked the honesty and emotional intensity of "Another Round", you might appreciate "Oslo, August 31st". This Norwegian film also delves into the theme of substance abuse with a narrative centered on a day in the life of a recovering addict. The movie is lauded for its authentic storytelling and thought-provoking themes about life, identity, and existential despair.
Kes (1969):"Kes" is a classic British film that, like "Another Round", sensitively portrays the struggles of everyday life. Directed by Ken Loach, who is known for his socially conscious films, "Kes" tells the poignant story of a bullied boy who finds solace in training a kestrel. Despite its setting in working-class England, you might find parallels in its exploration of personal struggles and small triumphs.
Half Nelson (2006):"Half Nelson" is a character-driven film focusing on a middle-school teacher who forms an unlikely friendship with one of his students while battling drug addiction. Much like "Another Round", the film uses substance abuse as a backdrop to delve deeply into the lives of its complex characters, making it a compelling viewing for those who appreciated the nuanced storytelling of "Another Round".
Sideways (2004):A story about a wine trip that changes the lives of two friends in unexpected ways, "Sideways" mirrors the mix of buddy comedy and drama in "Another Round". Celebrated for its rich storytelling, strong character development and clever humor, it might be an enjoyable watch for those who found these aspects appealing in "Another Round".
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