“To alcohol! The cause of and solution to all of life’s problems.” I have been waiting to see Thomas Vinterberg’s Danish film Another Round for months now and at long last the wait is finally over.
Four high school teachers decide to try out a social experiment where they consume alcohol on a daily basis, keeping their blood alcohol level up and recording how it affects their social and professional lives. The desired state would be drunk enough to feel relaxed and confident but not so drunk as to negatively hinder their day to day lives too much. The main character, Martin (Mads Mikkelsen) is a withdrawn middle-aged history teacher. His work life and home life seem to be tedious and mundane, he’s not living in the moment and doesn’t seem to be present in either his marriage or the classroom. When the possibility of improving his quality of life with the “per mille theory” is presented, Martin and his colleagues Tommy (Thomas Bo Larsen), Nikolaj (Magnus Millang) and Peter (Lars Ranthe) decide to conduct this experiment themselves and record their findings. The experiment proves successful at first, with all four teachers finding their classes have greatly improved but as anyone who has enjoyed a good night out with a few drinks will know, things are always fun and a bit of craic up until a point. As things progress and the alcohol consumption increases the inevitable hangover will always catch up with you.
Another Round is sure to bring you through a range of emotions. Yes there are some comedic moments but it’s sad, tragic and thought-provoking. Taking themes of midlife crises, alcoholism, loneliness and friendship with the result being a truly superb movie you won’t want to miss. The chemistry between the four main characters is so genuine you believe they have been friends and working together for years. Strong performances from all, particularly Mads Mikkelsen and honestly I’d watch him in anything. And if you’re still not convinced about seeing this movie, I guarantee it’s worth it just to see Mads spectacular dance moves. One of the best movies of the year. I absolutely loved Another Round and would highly recommend it for all.
★★★★★
Mad For Movie Reviews 