Blinkende Lichter

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.

"Blinkende Lygter" ('blinking lights') is extremely original in its odyssey through several genres; starting off as a gangster movie, passing close by a road movie (until the car breaks down), and then completely shifting pace and content in a very surprising and humorous way. Although criticized for its violent scenes, BL is actually a highly philosophical study of the various faces of violence, from the off-hand unnecessary (although not gratuitous) violence, to acts of violence accepted by society. First of all, the dialogue is so funny that the movie has to be seen at least twice if one is to catch the very serious message that lies beyond. One of the best Danish films ever. Anders Thomas Jensen is definitely a filmmaker to look out for.

Personally, what I do is try to watch a movie without having heard any details on the storyline before - so, I am not going to spoil anything here.

'Flickering Lights' is a well-made comedy about a couple of gangsters & despite of its partly violent scenes, it also shows human weakness and pain. Furthermore the movie tells the viewer how the four guys met and why their childhood experience made it impossible for them to lead a normal adolescence.

Compared to 'i kina spiser de hunde' (In China They Eat Dogs) which was also written by Anders Thomas Jensen, I think that 'Flickering Lights' deals with the personal tragedies in a better way and reaches to touch the viewer while 'i kina..' did not really moved me.

If you liked Las Van Trier's 'Idiots' and Vinterberg's 'Festen' (Celebration) you will recognize a couple of actors (Nikolaj Lie Kaas, Thomas Bo Jarsen, Ulrich Thomsen) - and although 'Flickering Lights' is not a DOGMA movie, a certain atmosphere made me remember the typical Swedish/Danish movie aura.

Great film - give it a try when you are in the mood for something different than the stereotypical Hollywood movie.

I purchased this film on DVD, with little knowledge of what it was about, because of a liking for the actors Søren Pilmark and Mads Mikkelsen. I'd seen Pilmark in "Riget" and Mikkelsen in "King Arthur", so I thought this would be worth buying.

The only complaint I have about the North American DVD version is that the subtitles are not always very good. I appreciate that the translator was likely trying to make some references so the non-Danish audience could understand it, but please do not reference Six Flags, Disneyland or "too many Canucks" when neither are mentioned. (Unfortunately I don't know enough Danish to figure out what they're really saying, but I certainly didn't hear Disneyland, Six Flags, or Canucks in that!) I found the story engaging, and not at all slow. It seemed to start off as a gangster film, and while I like some gangster films, I was glad that this one took a different twist.

I am impressed with the director/writer, and all the actors. This film was excellent, and I'd highly recommend it to all!

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.