Per el afortunado

What an incredibly moving film by Bille August. The director thankfully takes his time telling us the story of a man trying to break free from the conventions of his time as well as his social and cultural boundaries and yet finding himself more chained to them with every step he takes to try and get away from them.

The two lead characters are spellbindingly good.

I felt truly sad and nostalgic when the film ended. The characters stayed with me for a long time and I will certainly want to watch this film again.

I watched it in the original Danish version with subtitles.

Lykke-Per/ A fortunate man tells the story of a man who tries to create his own legacy, during a time of economical and social turmoil (Denmark at the end of the 19th century).

I found this movie to be very balanced, emphasizing as much on the man's own issues than on the country's evolution during that era - it depicts in a suble way what every Man shall encounter eventually : the desire to free oneself from one's past, the need to forgive, loneliness and finiteness.

Many people think you have to be danish to enjoy this film. Actually, I am not. I´m Argentinian and I've found this film really disturbing. I watched it in the native language, of course. This is -in my opinion- how films should be watched. The film makes you feel uncomfortable, you have mixed feelings about the main character: you love him, hate him, understand him, all in a turmoil of feelings, as the film develops. In the end, everything has to do with love, and growth and the reason why we are here on earth.

Last night I had the pleasure of enjoying this movie at the East Bay Jewish Film Festival, in Northern California, USA. It appears that the 3 people who have previously reviewed this movie are from Denmark, so they have a different perspective than someone from my part of the world.

What is very confusing is that when you search for this movie it comes up on imdb as BOTH a mini series and also a movie. It was interesting last night, when they told us, that there was an intermission. Now I know why. I also understand and agree with the other viewers that it is too long and too slow. But if it was originally designed as a mini series, things generally get stretched out.

However, I found it to be a very interesting movie. What was not made clear was whether it was based on a true story or not? If it was, I would have wanted to know if any of his engineering ideas were ever adapted in any way for Denmark or some of the projects that the Jewish family sponsored at the end of the movie stayed in existence for a long time or not.

The cinematography was fascinating and perhaps understanding the difference between people in the big city of Copenhagen as opposed to Jutland would have been nice. Anyway, I liked it.

This movie is Long, and it feels Long. But it uses that, it takes it's time and establishes wellwritten and charismatic characters that you emotionally engage in.

It has aome beautiful set design and costumes are on point. The actors do a very good job, including the lead who has a striking ressemblence to Martin Freeman.

Overall a wellrounded and satisfying film, good to watch with a group of people where you can discuss the plot as the movie Rolls along.