Review of In a Better World (2010) by Sean H — 01 Jul 2011

I am a big fan of European Cinema. This one left me speechless and moist eyed. In a Better World is a Danish film, which won an Oscar for best foreign language film this year. The film depicts how fragile relationships become mended one when we almost loose them. The film also shows vengeance in direct and indirect form. Vengeance could be the worst form of emotion and if limits are crossed, then results could be painful.

Elias is bullied in school, but newly admitted Christian saves and befriends him. They both plan to bomb the car of a loudmouth mechanic who insulted Eliasâ(TM) father. Something goes terribly wrong during the execution of plan. Christian realizes he was guiding Elias to avenge to compensate his loss of his mother who died from Cancer. In another parallel story, Eliasâ(TM) father is on verge of divorce. In the end, both husband and wife come to terms and decide to happily stick together when they see their only son admitted in hospital in critical condition.

Susan Bierâ(TM)s directing is a masterpiece. Without pretending, every emotion was obvious and believable in the characters. On technical side, it has got amazing and breathtaking photography and a haunting background music.

Overall, a brilliant film with superb directing and a gripping story. A classic and towering achievement.