IN A BETTER WORLD

Monday, June 13

Director: Susanne Bier
Cast: Ulrich Thomsen, Mikael Persbrandt, Trine Dyrholm, Bodil Jorgensen, Camilla Gottlieb, Toke Lars Bjarke, Ditte Grabo
Run Time: 119 minutes
Country: Denmark
Year: 2010 - release date in Canada is April 1
Language: Danish with English subtitles
Rating: Not yet rated

Few directors have addressed the issues of the past decade as courageously as Denmark’s Susanne Bier. Her latest, In a Better World, a Special Presentation at the 2010 Toronto International Film Festival, explores similar terrain while offering a devastating critique of masculinity. In a war-torn African nation, physician Anton (Mikael Persbrandt, Everlasting Moments) confronts a steady stream of tragedy and loss. Much of what he faces can be traced back to a vicious and sadistic local warlord. Back home in Denmark, his estranged wife Marianne (Trine Dyrholm), is concerned about their eldest son, Elias, who is picked on mercilessly by the class bully, Sofus.

When new kid Christian arrives in class, he and Elias bond over a mutual hatred of Sofus. Surly and vicious since the loss of his mother, Christian is hardening into a rigid and ferocious manifestation of masculinity. His heartbroken father, Claus (Ulrich Thomsen, Adam’s Apples, The Celebration), is finding it impossible to cope with Christian’s behaviour. The volatile situation is exacerbated by Anton’s return home and by an encounter between Anton, Elias, Christian and a violent, bullying mechanic (Kim Bodnia). At the heart of the film is the issue of male responsibility, specifically what it means to stand up for yourself and others. Far more than a mere exercise in suspense, In a Better World raises essential questions about human instincts and our interpretation of knowing what’s right and what’s wrong.

“In terms of subtlety and confidence, In a Better World reveals a master filmmaker at full stride. For Bier's longtime fans, it feels as if there is nothing she cannot do. For audiences experiencing her work for the first time, they are in for a real thrill.” 
Steve Ramos,  Boxoffice Magazine

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Official Site: www.sonyclassics.com

Spring 2011 Film Schedule April 4 - Barney's Version April 18 - The Illusionist May 2 - Jane Eyre May 16 - West is West May 30 - Of Gods and Men June 13 - In a Better World