Anklaget

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.

If Sofie Gråbøl gets any better than in this movie, it's scary!! I hope for her that she can keep on improving her acting, but I fear that she will be on a "Mission Impossible" if she has to do better than this performance. She is simply outstanding, and she singlehandedly saves the movie, when the script runs away with it round an easy Hollywood corner, that makes everything fit too well into script-mathematics. Just watched the extra material on DVD and was a bit embarrassed on behalf of director Jacob Thuesen, when after meeting the press at The Berlinale (Film Festival) he seemed surprised, that his audience wanted to talk about the subject of the film (incest), rather than the "filmtechnical matters" (which he had hoped for). Proves to me, that this was another film where the filmmakers aim for the perfect effective drama, rather than caring for what is on their mind and heart. Damn effective though - not least through the first 4/5 of the movie.

While the VERY last scene, of HENRIK in his Bath-robe, leaves one pondering about the message or intent..., this story's climatic build-up is -both- truthful and believable ! At first, tantalizing and intriguing for the first twenty minutes, the tension sets-in whence the councilors/lawyer's, is taken aback by HENRIK's attitude and questions ...; meanwhile we have the incredible interventions of (Sofie Grabol) NINA as a loving/warm/tender/sexually satisfied wife and mother ...; the (daughter's) STINE, mostly still-life presence and expressions are just incredible and beyond words ...! Mr. TROELS LYBY's presence & rendition is just extreme or too natural, Mrs. SOFIE GRABOL is just too much right as a Wife and Mother ... as well as a shining-out presence ... while either direction and photography are unquestionably good.

Shortly-put, this is {another} of a very limited number of quality films, with subject or renewing script's visualization ! P.S.: Sofie Grabol is a gorgeous and incredibly good actress. ... as proved with her lead in the recent "The Killing" three Danish TV's series ... !

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

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!