Applaus

Paprika Steen gives an amazing performance as a successful actress (Thea Barfoed ) who is trying to put her demons behind her and get back her children. As the movie unfolds and Thea's personality is revealed, we can see the conflicts and problems that led to her losing her children in the first place.

I really liked how the movie cleverly uses a real stage play that Thea is starring in, as a comment on her life and personality. Her time on stage and backstage as the star is interwoven and contrasted with her encounters with her children and "real life".

And I was really impressed with Paprika Steen in the lead role. I cannot say I found the character of Thea entirely sympathetic but I could not look away. I was mesmerized by the moving portrait of this very flawed but magnetic personality trying to deal with her own failings. Ms. Steen's performance is not to be missed.

I saw Applause from Hamptons International Film Festival. Mother-child concerns are the main story in Appause. Thea has strong career but she is an alcoholic and a divorced women who lost custody of her kids. Thea loves her kids, she tries to stay on the wagon. She tried to get the custody at first, she gave up in the end. How great the character of the mother is. She loves her kids so much, she really wants to stay with them, and her kids love her also, she realizes that she is not able to stay with them. That's the most difficult decision her character has to make. I like the ending, because there is no clear answer to her situation. Thea keeps trying and gets the custody of her kids, but I don't think she can always be a good mom. To stop drinking for an alcoholic is a very long and difficult process, and whenever she drinks and gets drunk, the kids are gonna have a hard time. I love this movie because the character of the mom is great, and she knows herself, and the ending sparked my imagination: can she stay sober successfully, or will she just give up and turn back to be an alcoholic?

This is a memorable and moving Danish movie. It tells a story that in the world which we live, different people have different lives. In this film, Paprika Steen (playing Thea Barfoed) is a stage performer, used to be an alcoholic after she had suffered divorce and lost her children. When people face to the different circumstances of life, some people are the strong and optimistic, and others are weak and negative.

She had some psychological barriers, she didn't know how to love her family, her sons and husband the right way because she didn't even know how to love herself. So her husband divorced her and got the two boys. After a period of psychological treatment, her life is on to the right track. But she needs to face her faults and mistakes she made before. She loves her sons and she wants to spend time and live with them sometimes, but her ex-husband doesn't trust her and he is afraid the boys will be hurt again. She is very desperate and sad. I think Paprika's performance is superb, and she expresses her emotions very well. Her performance is very natural.

The film tells people how to face the mistakes of the past, and how to change her life for the better. Everybody needs salvation; While Thea looks for forgiveness from others, she must also forgive herself.

Having seen a number of leading female bravura performances this past year, I thought I had sealed shut my choices for best actress. I then had the pleasure of seeing the independent Danish film, 'Applause,' and Steen, without hesitation, became my favorite performance of the year (even vis-a-vis Portman as the fragile yet delusional Nina in 'Black Swan').

Although, on its face, the storyline may come across as another hackneyed portrayal of a melodramatic woman coping with alcoholism, Steen's performance brings forth such a raw and entrancing glimpse into the mind of Thea that you can't help but also feel her frustration and helplessness. Nevertheless, even though you see Thea at her lowest, you can still sense some maternal substance in her, which offers levity to an otherwise bleak ending.

An absolute tour de force performance that is a must-see!

I watched this film not really knowing what to expect. I was told by a friend to see it, and was really glad they suggested it! This is one of the best films I've seen this year. Paprika Steen stars as a recovering alcoholic actress who is struggling to overcome her addiction in order to stay with her children. It's a touching and stirring performance that will stay with you long after you've seen the film. I would recommend this film to anyone looking for a quality film. In this age of sequels and remakes, it's nice to see an original idea, especially one done so well. If you get an opportunity to see this film, take it right away! You won't be disappointed. :)