Blinkende Lichter

I love this film, but I agree that the American subtitles are dreadful. I can understand a bit of Danish and I was watching it with a Danish speaker, so that helped, but actually the timing of the subtitles ruined half the jokes entirely. And if you're not American or Danish then the cultural references in the subtitles are completely baffling.

For reference: -"Disney Land" is used to translate "Tivoli", a very old and beautiful theme park in central Copenhagen. -"Six flags" is used to translate "Bakken", another old, but more down market theme park just outside Copenhagen. -"Canucks" is apparently a derogatory term for Canadians. It is used here to translate "Svenskere" (Swedes). -"Newport", apparently a port town in Rhode Island, is used to translate "Fredericia", another port town, but in eastern Jylland (Jutland).

Quite exceptional Danish genre hybrid from director Anders Thomas Jensen. It has a maturity and confidence about it that is rare and surreal comedic aspects that reminded me of the wonderful ANTONIA'S LINE.

Four emotionally unstable criminals, led by Torkild, commit a robbery to repay a large debt to The Eskimo, a violent, murderous thug. Instead of delivering the loot, the men flee to the countryside where they begin a new life.

A threadbare synopsis does no justice to this wonderfully rich and magical film which expertly blends brutal violence, the blackest of humour and Roald Dahl-style childhood flashbacks to tell a fascinating, highly original story.

The characterizations are brilliant and the producers deserve a medal for having the courage to attempt a piece so violent (at times) and so utterly human.

Although all performances are wonderful, a special mention must go to Ole Thestrup who plays local game hunter Alfred. His reaction to an offer of firearms in exchange for the life of his cow is priceless.

An absolute winner and a perceptive reflection on happiness, love, friendship and identity.

A lot of the humour in this extremely funny movie cannot be translated into English. One example: At one point Stefan is caught crying while reading a poem from the book that lends it title to the entire film. This causes some scepticism among his friends, who asks him exactly what he is reading. He then says that the book is written by one "Ove Ditlevsen". To a danish audience it is obvious, that the book actually is by the famous danish (female) author "Tove Ditlevsen", but none of our heroes seems to know her. The sensitive Stefan is backed up by Thorkil who insists that "Actually Ove Ditlevsen is one of this country's finest authors".

From the first few minutes, up until the end of the film, I was laughing... hard. The characters are definitely amusing (though a bit off), and all of the hang-ups they face along the way just add to the humour. Yes, there are parts of the film which can be quite sad, especially if one can relate in any way to them, but by and large, this is a very funny film that is definitely worth the DVD rental. The violence is comical, the struggles are comical, even the arguments are comical. They really did a good job with the casting and the writer did an excellent job with the script. I am usually not a fan of Danish films (even though I live in Denmark), but this film is the exception. It's a definite must see, no matter where in the world one happens to live.

I saw 'Blinkende Lygter' after watching first 'Adam's Apple's' and then 'The Green Butchers', so effectively in reverse order! The thing that captivates me so much about Jensen's writer/directorial outings is the wonderfully individual black humour he brings to the screen. It took me three movies to realise that he reminds me a great deal of Beat Takeshi, in fact this movie - "Flickering Lights" - reminded me a lot of "Sonatine", my favourite of all Beat's movies. The theme was very similar; a criminal gang run away to live in seclusion in the countryside and come to a better understanding of who they are and what they really want. There's a gentle, subtle affection that bonds the four men together - despite their violent occupation and chaotic lives - and the sense that they all share a common need for family, stability and purpose they together they realise they can provide for each other.

More than anything I thought this was a wonderful film about male friendships and how important it is for men to support each other in their endeavours. And, although Torvild initially goes off selfish and half-cocked in his plans, as the dad of the group he ultimately gets everyone what they need and keeps his family together. Heartwarming and hilarious. One I will re-watch many times.