![]() ![]() These sensibilities make In A Better World a fitting title, since the realities of our world are not downplayed for a stereotypical happy ending in the film, and the viewer might come away wishing for the better life that never comes. What the characters show is an unidealized portrayal of humanity, the message being that people will be people and neither good nor greed will win. ![]() Elias’ character does not offer hope at the end of the film, as he is still a pawn much like he was at the start, showing no validity in being a pacifist, a nerd or a “nice guy.” Still, Nielsen’s emotional range in portraying Christian is astonishingly convincing, rivaling even the far more experienced Persbrant.Īnton, who touts taking the higher road against bullies and conflict, isn’t shown to be any more reliable or trustworthy than the angry Christian, seen as a role model for Elias in the end. He is at once a suicidal loner and a savior to another loner, and fails to convince the audience he is a good role model for Elias.Īlthough the audience learns that Christian’s mother’s death has weighed on him heavily, this hardly excuses his haphazard behavior. Perhaps due to Bier’s directing or simply the nature of the story, the themes of In A Better World are numerous, overwhelming and cause the audience to sometimes struggle with finding one moral point.Īlthough Christian’s new friendship with Elias could be easily taken as an anti-bullying message, Christian himself is not a paradigm of good behavior. Christian’s instincts kick in after Anton fails to fight back, and his revenge plot against the unruly Lars unfolds tragically.ĭramatic scenes of physical violence and raw emotion make a powerful statement in the film, yet there isn’t a single distinct message conveyed in In A Better World. ![]() When Anton finally returns to Denmark, he’s involved in an altercation with hotheaded mechanic Lars (Kim Bodnia) as the two boys look on. Anton remains involved with his own work in Africa and doesn’t realize his son Elias’ need for guidance. As a result, the two young boys lean on each other for emotional support.Īfter a revenge plot against Elias’ bully comes close to serious penalty, the boys’ bond becomes dangerously one-sided, with the angry Christian as the stronger character. Christian’s absentee father Claus (Ulrich Thomsen) is hardly a model for managing emotions, as he struggles to cope with his wife’s recent death and his move from London to Denmark. Photo courtesy of Sony Picture ClassicsĬhristian, brilliantly portrayed by William Jøhnk Nielsen, becomes fast friends with the timid Elias and displays an intense sense of revenge and anger, especially given his age. The film has stellar performances and a narrative that presents important and universal themes of life. In a Better World presents a story about two children with very adult problems. ![]()
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