Open Hearts (drama) (2002)
(1 hr 49 mins)
This moving Danish
drama from director Susan Bier tells the story of a young couple, Cecilie and
Joachim, very much in love and planning to get married. Their lives are thrown
off course when Joachim is seriously hurt in an accident.
The
devastated Cecilie finds Joachim is pushing her away. Alone and distressed, she
finds a listening ear from happily married doctor, Niels. When Niels falls in
love with Cecilie, his relationship with his wife is thrown into turmoil. The
future becomes uncertain for both couples.
Although not
covering any new territory, this film is very powerful, thanks to excellent
performances from a committed cast, a good script and assured direction. The
director shows us what is happening in the characters’ imaginations as well as
in reality, so that we are able to understand the painful chasm between desire
and experience.
The film
comes from the Dogme 95 stable, which means it doesn’t use strange camera
angles, lighting or sound effects. It has certainly connected with viewers. It
won both the Bodil and Robert awards for the best Danish film in 2003 and it
has an impressive 96% approval rating on the Rotten Tomatoes website. The
emotions are raw and the open ending leaves you wondering what the future might
hold for both couples. If you like raw, emotional films, you will certainly
enjoy this film.
Rating: 9/10
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