Danish director Susanne Bier deftly presents complex moral questions in 'In a Better World,' which won an Academy Award for foreign language film.
How do we react to the presence of evil and injustice when, as an adult or a child, it intrudes on our world? It's easy enough to say "you fight it," but the reality is never that simple. When do we act, how far do we go, what price are we willing to pay? When, if ever, is retaliation legitimate? How do we deal, finally, with the pain and suffering of the world?
Read Turan's full review of "In a Better World" at the LA Times
In a Better World
Anton and his wife Marianne, who have two young sons, are separated and struggling with the possibility of divorce. Their older, ten-year-old son Elias is being bullied at school, until he is defended by Christian, a new boy who has just moved from London with his father, Claus. Christian’s mother recently lost her battle with cancer, and Christian is greatly troubled by her death. Elias and Christian quickly form a strong bond, but when Christian involves Elias in a dangerous act of revenge with potentially tragic consequences, their friendship is tested and lives are put in danger. Ultimately, it is their parents who are left to help them come to terms with the complexity of human emotions, pain and empathy.
Opened April 1, 2011 (Limited 4/1) | Runtime:1 hr. 58 min.
R - Violent and disturbing content some involving preteens, and for language
Cast: Mikael Persbrandt, Trine Dyrholm, Ulrich Thomsen, Markus Rygaard, William Jøhnk Nielsen
Director: Susanne Bier
Genres: Drama, Childhood Drama, Juvenile Delinquency
Movie times and tickets from Fandango for "In a Better World"
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