Copenhagen (2014)

I watched this film some time ago, and the reviews are largely very positive, but I wanted to add my rating and comments in the hope that more will watch this film. We have Effie from Copenhagen, fourteen going on twenty, who helps a rude, immature Will from the USA on a visit to find his Danish roots and have 'fun' in the process. What makes this film special is the superlative acting, the pace and the juxtaposition of an immature adult man bonding with a wise and well balanced Danish girl of just fourteen years of age. Many of the reviews regarding this film state that it left a lasting impression on them, and I can see why. Treat yourself and watch this film.

The first thing I should say outright is that the performance of Frederikke Dahl Hansen was completely enrapturing - and ultimately, she was the star of the film. Far more likable in character than her co-star, to the point you almost feel like the film would have been better centred with the main plot around her, rather than Gethin Anthony's character. I feel like the plot itself was OK, with family ties being sought by two very different characters midst the beautiful backdrop of Copenhagen. The problem was that the male lead's character was fairly detestable, and that led to a lack of sympathy from me as the viewer with his back story. Towards the end there were signs of some redemption in his own behaviour as he starts to care about Effy. However I think the writers should have softened his character more to make the audience feel a bit more connected to him. This is why I have scored a 6 as he is a key part of the film and I truly think that his characterisation was off beam. I understand his lack of maturity is one of the key elements of the character (to fit in with his relationship with Effy), but this needn't have been done in such a coarse way.The above said, the film is absolutely worth watching. Dahl Hansen produces a superb performance combining both a wisdom beyond her 14 yr old life, with a hint of teenage naivety that sees her attach to William. I also think whilst Gethin Anthony's character isn't very likable, he does gel well with Dahl Hansen and we see some great scenes that are very memorable; the Karaoke scene, the awkward discovery of her age and the theme park ride among them. There is a gorgeous scene when we see them cycling the streets of Copenhagen (with the possibly underused Jeremy character) that is verging on euphoria. I've not been to Copenhagen, but seeing this film has definitely made me want to go.So 6 out of 10 is my final score. With a better written lead male, this could have been a 9 or 10. On the topic of the underage aspect, the film addresses this fairly well and shows that it is not unduly bypassing it. We are somewhat led to believe that their companionship has transcended their ages, with the dangers of that relationship highlighted well in the row scene between William and Jeremy - one of the more interesting scenes with the two male characters involved. So go see it, but see if like me you feel one half of the critical relationship just needed re-configuring.

Unbelievably arrogant, rude, offensive, irresponsible, self-centered, American dick-bag goes to Copenhagen expecting everyone to fall over themselves to help him find his estranged grandpa as he throws tantrums, litters the streets and canal. The writer/director seem to want to normalize this obscene behavior while encouraging pedophilia. This is an embarrassment to independent filmmakers and shows what happens when talent-less spoiled brats get funding. The actors and cinematic crew are the only talent here. It's hard to imagine why this film was made and what possible message they were going for. Five minutes into the film and I was hoping the main character would be hit by a bus. By the end of the film my feelings hadn't changed.

Like so many others I kept seeing this come up on netflix. However I was always put off by the poster. To me it looked like a hallmark wanna be. Boy oh boy was I wrong. This movie blew me away. Though I want to state up front that I did not find it perfect, and I did get a little uncomfortable at moments. However this movie masterfully handles the storytelling, filmmaking and even cultural aspects. I honestly think that had it not been for the fact that the age of consent in the U.S. Is 18 ( in Denmark it is 15), this movie would have made a star out of the director and the lovely leading lady. This young actress gives jaw dropping performance. I would also like to point out the beautiful camera work. The long dolly shots and creative use of light are amazing. While I do wish that the lead actor could have given a more original performance and been less stereotypical. The same statement also goes for a hand full of the supporting cast. However those things do not take away from all of the wonderful points of the film. Highly recommended