Anklaget

Anklaget "Accused"

Directed by Jacob Thuesen (2005)

The every day life of an ordinary family father is shredded to pieces, when he is accused of having had intercourse / incest with his 13-year old daughter. We follow the father Henrik, and how his life and whole existence is turned upside down. Even before the case against him begins, everybody except his loving wife and his best friend now takes an extra look at him. And when he gets be remanded in custody he is close to devastation.

This is an original story that deals with a very controversial and unpleasant subject. It is disturbing but though realistic, thanks to the actors and director who handles this case excellent. Troels Lyby gives a great leading performance as the accused father, and in the two supporting roles as his wife and as his best friend we find Sofie Gråbøl and Paw Henriksen who solves their roles very good. Especially Sofie Gråbøl gives her character depth and credibility.

8/10

This is one of my favourite movies of all time. It's shocking, thought-provoking and skilfully made.

Not only does Anklaget deal with a taboo topic, incest (the father is accused of it), it also discusses the ways the human mind deals with such a thing (and they are a taboo on their own).

The movie is psychologically insightful. The most important insights don't come via much talk, but with elegant dialogue and the arrangement of scenes.

In many ways this is a one-of-a-kind movie. Terribly underrated.

Normally the name of screenwriter Kim Fupz Aakesonon a Danish film is enough to make my blood freeze. His proletaristic, mind-numbing dialog (mostly consisting of ummmm.... f****... errr s***) is enough to drive me up the wall, and the terribly dull "everyday" (as if people died in car crashes or went insane were everyday things) stories were tiresome. So my expectations for this film were low. Yet I was to be surprised: Director Jacob Thuesen has turned the "everyday" story on it's head, and created a searing critique of the welfare state, the middle class, and society's (particularly the legal system) increasing dependence on experts, and their influence on people's lives.

Troels Lyby is amazing as the father accused of incest, and for once Aakeson's dialogue is fascinating and sharp. For a Danish film it is impressively edited and filmed, and the visual style (especially the unconventional character introductions) is fittingly cold and edgy. The only problem with this film is that it goes on for about ten minutes too long, and the fact that Sofie Graabøl is simply too tried and tested in this sort of film to be anything else than tiresome.

Overall, a greatly underrated movie. I might actually look forward to Aakeson's next film.

If a kid accuses an adult of having done inappropriate things to her (in this case it is her, could also be him) .. well that adult is in quite some trouble. Not just in the justice system, but even if he gets a not guilty verdict ... but lets not get ahead of ourselves.

This has to be decided by the courts and there are things that do suggest what might be the truth behind it all. A very heavy drama, that does a really good job with the theme it chose to depict and have as central subject matter. Great actors and great twists and turns, even if you yourself may be aware of the "truth" early on (there is only one of two choices so guessing right is not really saying anything) ...

Very good movie, it blew me away to be honest. Once again, the quality of Scandinavian movies and series surpasses everything else.

The film is very well told and edited, and the way of filming seemed most wonderful to me. You don't see the daughter in the movie, Stine, until quite late, which increases the tension when you see her for the first time. We experience everything from the fathers perspective, Henrik. It gets to the point that our hearts beat with him and what he feels, very strong. Is he guilty or innocent?

The main actors, Troels Lyby and Sofie Grâbol, are absolutely convincing, very good actors, and I loved seeing this actress again, unforgettable in the series 'The Killing', don't miss this one.

The role of the mother, the actress Sofie G, Nina in the movie, was quite disturbing for me, a weird woman, and she also brings sweets to her husband in prison, I guess is a form of insecurity and not knowing what to do after such a strong accusation. But I am only guessing. She didn't strike me as a woman with maternal capabilities. This fact increases the tension and suspense even more during the whole process.

I recommend it without a doubt, very strong psychologically, it goes to the point and is very realistic. The tension increases every second until the very end, the most unexpected and satisfying in my opinion. Great movie!