To kvinder

"To kvinder" is an interesting Danish short film. It focuses on the relationship between an aging woman and a young daughter of Muslim immigrants as the latter is employed as a temporary housekeeper for the former. The ambition of the film is to show the cultural barriers that exist between them and, indeed, between Danes and immigrants in general, and to confront the prejudice and the lack of communication.

It does so in great style. Both lead actresses perform excellently, with frailty as well as strength. The cinematography is kept in a beautiful, classic style, accompanied with much grace by a score of piano music to reflect the importance of a piano in the storyline. Great compliments can be paid to every part of the production crew.

The film can be criticized as being politically correct or as ultimately downplaying the problems from cultural barriers. However, the fact that the actual barriers are almost always smaller than what the prejudices foresee is an ever-important message, and this film shows this in an appealing and interesting manner.