In a Better World

“In a Better World” is a Danish-Swedish joint production with dialogue in English, Danish and Swedish. Directed by Susanna Bier and co-written by Ms. Bier and Anders Jensen, this 119 minute film is extremely well done as it masters the art of “flashback” and “the now” so that the audience stays engaged and involved throughout its duration. Beautifully acted, the film examines the tragedies that occur not only on a worldly basis but personal ones as well includingfamine and brutality in Africa, bullying at school and the loss of a wife and parent to a small family as well. The more significant meaning to the film is how the characters cope with these events from the pacifist non-violent to the angry and hostile and how each learns to alter their initial innate reactions. Perhaps the best that can be said of any foreign film, including this one, is that, after a very short while, the audience forgets that it is watching and listening to a language that is not their own. The superb performances of the two teenagers in the film is worth noting and brings this theatrical experience to a level it might not otherwise have attained without them. I give the film 3 stars and recommend it be seen during its short and limited period of release.