Films & Schedules - DENMARK

A gripping suspense drama focusing on negotiation tactics and complex human psychology, A Hijacking chronicles the nightmare endured by the small crew of a Danish cargo ship when Somali pirates suddenly take them hostage in the Indian Ocean. Back in the shipping company’s office in Copenhagen, the demand for a $15 million ransom sets in motion tense negotiations, which, against the advice of professional hostage negotiators, the macho (and frugal) president decides he will handle himself. Plunging the company, the crew and their families, and the pirates into an extended battle of wills, we watch as the fear and tension...

A gripping suspense drama focusing on negotiation tactics and complex human psychology, A Hijacking chronicles the nightmare endured by the small crew of a Danish cargo ship when Somali pirates suddenly take them hostage in the Indian Ocean. Back in the shipping company’s office in Copenhagen, the demand for a $15 million ransom sets in motion tense negotiations, which, against the advice of professional hostage negotiators, the macho (and frugal) president decides he will handle himself. Plunging the company, the crew and their families, and the pirates into an extended battle of wills, we watch as the fear and tension aboard the ship is on course for disaster. At once a procedural thriller, an almost documentary-like look at modern, high-tech piracy, and a telling reminder of economic disparity, Lindholm’s (also the screenwriter of The Hunt) gripping saga rings true. (110 mins.)

Selected Filmography: R (10)

FILM REVIEW

Interests: Narrative Feature.

Vinterberg’s devastating drama follows an upstanding member of a small, close-knit Danish community charged with an unthinkable crime. Lucas (Mads Mikkelsen) is a kindergarten aide beloved by students and parents alike, until a girl in his class accuses him of inappropriately touching her. No sooner is the charge leveled than Lucas is deemed guilty in the public eye and then ostracized—indeed, hunted—by his former friends and neighbors. Knowing that Lucas is indeed innocent adds a chilling layer of horror to an already breathless tale. A provocative, all-too-believable study in mob mentality and the unfailing belief of adults in the innocence...

Vinterberg’s devastating drama follows an upstanding member of a small, close-knit Danish community charged with an unthinkable crime. Lucas (Mads Mikkelsen) is a kindergarten aide beloved by students and parents alike, until a girl in his class accuses him of inappropriately touching her. No sooner is the charge leveled than Lucas is deemed guilty in the public eye and then ostracized—indeed, hunted—by his former friends and neighbors. Knowing that Lucas is indeed innocent adds a chilling layer of horror to an already breathless tale. A provocative, all-too-believable study in mob mentality and the unfailing belief of adults in the innocence of children, The Hunt is a gripping psychological drama with a stellar performance by Mikkelsen, who won the Best Actor Prize at this year’s Cannes Film Festival. (115 mins.)

Filmography: The Celebration (98), It’s All About Love (03), Dear Wendy (04), Submarino (10)

Winner of the Audience Award at the Vancouver International Film Festival.

Sponsored by the ScanDesign Foundation and the Scandinavian Heritage Foundation.

FILM REVIEW

Interests: Narrative Feature.