Review of The Green Butchers (2003) by Jason J — 23 Dec 2009

A wonderful movie from Denmark of 2 butchers (Svend & Bjarne) opening their own shop after becoming disillusioned working for an arrogant man. At first nobody comes to their new shop until the electrician is locked by accident in the freezer one evening. When Svend finds his body the following morning and his ex-employer turns up wanting meat for a party, he starts carving up the man's body to spite him. Soon though word spreads that the meat at the shop is tasty and everybody flocks there. Svend against Bjarne's pleas starts to murder other people to carry on the roaring trade they've got. But other people are starting to get suspicious. How long can they get away with this illegal business?

I thoroughly enjoyed this and it's one of the finest European movies ever. It's twisted and deliciously dark. You could compare it somewhat to the movie Delicatessen in that both are about cannibalism but the only difference is Green Butchers plays it serious all the way through. The script and the acting are top notch.

The subject matter might be a bit morbid but don't let that put you off from watching this masterpiece.