Kongekabale

As with most Danish films of the last ten years the visual images are brilliant, the intrigue is impressive and the actors are very good.

But best of all is that the imagery of Kongkabale fits in well with the shady nature of politics suggested by the filmmakers. As a political thriller its right up there with The Contender, City Hall or All the Presidents Men (although you can't really argue against the shadiness in the final one). But Kongakabale reaches the real heights because it doesn't overplay corruption or evil and shows that no matter which side you might play for you will face ethical dilemmas.

The one criticism that one might have about this film is that one or two of the characters are perhaps overtly cynical but then even these few exceptions are definitely needed to take the story home.

This is an excellent film. Visually stunning and extremely well developed. It explores not only politic corruption, but also the ethos behind journalism and how they can sometimes be manipulated. Its characters are superbly well developed; they emotional arches are well defined and we immediately identify with the main character, who gives an excellent performance. The paralalism between Danish politicians and UK politician are unavoidable, and it definitely gets us all thinking what if this happened in the UK, who'd be who? For once, a Danish film that is not necessarily an endless weeping tragedy. It's a pleasure to watch, easy to follow and complex enough. Realistic and very interesting. It keeps you hooked from beginning to end, and I'm not Danish.

This is one of the movies that you see hundreds of from the big movie-mekka, Hollywood... But in the last couple of years, danish movies have improved radically, and producers abroad has gotten an eye open towards danish actors, producers, directors and so on and so forward... But most of our big hits have been comedies and action-movies, and almost always with an actor by the name of Kim Bodnia in the leading role... But now it's time to introduce the first danish thriller since Nattevagten (Nightwatch, as the American replicant of it is called), Kongekabale...

The movie is based on a book by the same name, and the book is loosely based on a true story - with rewritten names and so on and so forward... The book got great reviews, and so did the movie... And it's just...

I went to the cinema to watch the movie, as I read the book a couple of months ago and wanted to see if the movie could live up to the suspense of the book... And it does...

With Søren Pilmark as the mean politician, who seems to be involved in all the mysterious happenings, and Anders W. Berthelsen as the nosey reporter, who smells something is wrong, we've got two of Denmarks best actors to ensure us of a good evening spend in front of the screen... Søren Pilmark, who is well-known for his comic-talent, shows a dark side of himself and delivers a GREAT performance... Anders W. Berthelsen, who got his real breakthrough this spring with a leading role in the danish drama-series Krøniken, shows a more progressive side of himself, and it suits him just as fine as the shy guy he is known for...

With all this said, I can't say nothing else that:

Go see the movie - it can easily live up to similar Hollywood-movies...

I really enjoyed this gem when I caught it at a festival. The film is very well crafted. Tight direction, brilliant lighting, and shot after shot was just sparkling and a pleasure to watch. The story holds your interest throughout and although you're not forced to hold your breath in suspense, you ARE looking forward to where it is going. The performances are all believable but an actor named Anders W. Berthelsen carries this film on his back! If this guy can speak English, he's the next great American character actor. Meanwhile, I'll settle for subtitles.

8/10

Not to be missed. I had read great reviews about this movie but I was surprised at how fantastic it was. Based on a simple plot, simple political mess, simple characters, this is a thrilling movie, with a thrilling story that rings true to today's Britain, Europe, the US and many countries in LA. I thought some of the performances were better than others, but all in all, a fantastic cast. Loved every minute of it. Don't miss this movie. I am sure they will make it into a Hollywood film with some hunky guy playing the leas (which misses the point) and Anthony Hopkins playing the wannabe prime minister. Don't miss this film before the Hollwywood machine ruins it