"Venus fra Vestø" is a Danish film directed by Annelise Reenberg. The film's premise is a humorous take on the German occupation of Denmark during World War II. The story revolves around the Germans' plan to take over a small Danish island called Vestø, and the locals' efforts to resist their occupation. The Germans' primary target is the island's prized Jersey cow, Venus, whose unique breeding they want to use to create a superior race of cows.
The film has a pretty funny premise, but unfortunately, it fails to deliver on the humor front. Despite the comedic setup, the movie presents itself more like a serious drama, and as a result, the jokes feel stale and forced. The pacing is also a bit slow, and the film feels longer than it needs to be.
That being said, there are a few bright spots in the film. Dirch Passer, a well-known Danish actor, is enjoyable to watch as Ditlev Egede-Schack, Venus' owner's cousin, and his hobbyist painter. Passer's performance is entertaining and humorous, even if the script doesn't always give him much to work with.
The film is in Danish, English, and German, which can be a little jarring and may make it difficult for non-Danish speakers to follow the plot. The cast includes a mix of Danish and foreign actors, including Dieter Eppler as Kaptajn Weiss, the German commander on Vestø, and William Knoblauch as Ole Klausen, the local council chairman.
Overall, "Venus fra Vestø" has an interesting premise, but it falls short in execution. While there are a few funny moments and strong performances, the film's lack of consistent humor and slow pacing make it a somewhat forgettable viewing experience.
