Another Round is another win for Denmark

Another Round – a film about a midlife crisis, alcohol and having another go at life – earned the Oscar for Best International Film for Danish filmmaker Thomas Vinterberg.

After his previous film Jagten, nominated in the same category, Vinterberg reunited with Danish superstar Mads Mikkelsen (The Hunt, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, Hannibal).

Mikkelsen stars as Martin, a teacher living through a mid-life crisis who, along with three teaching friends, learn of a Norwegian theory that being slightly intoxicated throughout the workday can better their lives.

The film explores the glorious highs and the depressing lows of alcohol, but the drink is just a device to go into a much deeper story – one about friendship, love and having another go at life.

Mikkelsen, as usual, is extraordinary as Martin, with the camera often focusing on his micro-expressions, telling us everything his character is thinking and feeling without saying a word.

The supporting cast, including Thomas Bo Larsen, Magnus Millang and Lars Ranthe, shine as teachers wanting more from their domestic lives.

Another Round takes an honest look at what it feels like, as Mikkelsen describes it, “when you are standing at the platform, and the train has already passed”.

Mads Mikkelsen’s character is going through a midlife crisis when he decides to make some changes to his life.

The film is all the stronger for the fact that it doesn’t advocate for the consumption of alcohol, nor does it pass judgement on those that do.

Vinterberg, who is known for his participation in the ’90s film movement Dogme 95 with infamous Danish filmmaker Lars Von Trier, doesn’t want to answer whether we should or should not drink, simply that we should embrace life while we have it.

Vinterberg learnt this during the process of making Another Round, after the tragic death of his daughter Ida, in the first few days of filming. The film is dedicated to her.

Another Round is intoxicating, life-affirming and filled with vitality – just the film we needed after the events of 2020.