Directed by Thomas Vinterberg
Starring: Mads Mikkelsen
After hearing of this film through the Cannes Film Festival, I was excited to give it a watch, since it is from Thomas Vinterberg, the same director who did The Hunt (Jagten) which is one of my favorite films, and one you should definitely check out if you haven't already. As expected, Mads Mikkelsen stole the show in Druk/ Another Round, with a stellar performance, which he usually delivers in every film he's in.
Druk follows a group of teachers who theorize that having a certain amount of achohol in your system will keep you more creative and relaxed, being able to balance your professional and personal life. To say it completely worked? Well you got to see the film for that. The film maintained a tragicomedy tone, with the entertainment coming from Mads and his colleague's escapades, and the tragedy that follows the consequences of them especially in their relationships. Mad's stellar performances, Vinterberg's direction, and the four colleague's chemistry all shine throughout the film, making it engaging and relatable. The film does so well to showcase midlife crises and the consequences of excessive alcohol use in relationships.
Tragically, Vinterberg's daughter Ida who was supposed to be in the film, passed away during production. Inspiration of the film came from Ida, and the film was made in her memory, and you can the see/feel how much heart Thomas put into this film.
It's no Jagten, but it's a film that deserves your attention. With a Best International Feature and a Best Director nomination from the Academy Awards, time will tell how it stacks up amongst the other brilliant foreign films that have been released last year. At time of crisis and stagnation, Druk reminds you that sometimes, instead of looking forward, you should look back and think of what a life you had and have.
My rating: 8.5/10
