Blinkende lygter

"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.

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".

This is one of the funniest movies I have seen for a long time - and yet with a depth you would not expect from a movie like this. This bunch of criminal outcast with personal problems and skeletons in their childhood cupboards manage to form a true friendship and community far from the environment they are used to.

The movie is stacked with strong action and actors: Pilmark is over the top as raw, but yet soft gangleader, Mikkelsen as psycho-gunman, Thomsen as TV-drama-loving drug-addict and Lie-Kaas as the eternal snack-eating soft guy. Even the supporting cast does a good job - just to mention Thestrup as the weapon-crazy farmer and Helmuth as movie history's greatest alcoholic doctor - and do not forget Graaboel as Lie-Kaas annoying and "normal" girlfriend.

Funniest scene: shooting cows in the forest - my God, I was rolling on the floor of laughter.

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.