Another Round (2020)

Directed by Thomas Vinterberg

Starring Mads Mikkelsen, Magnus Millang, Lars Ranthe, and Thomas Bo Larsen

Another Round is a Danish movie about four middle-aged school teachers who decide, as a sort of mid-life-crisis experiment, to start drinking “scientifically” to see if it might somehow improve their dreary lives.

The premise of the experiment is adorable: Some Danish philosopher suggests that the human animal is operating with a blood alcohol level that is 0.05 lower than it should be. The only way to operate at peak capacity, the four friends reason, is to drink enough in the morning, and continue tippling during the day, to achieve that level of non-sobriety.

Much of the movie is what happens when they do. Their teaching becomes more animated, their ideas more creative, and their personal relationships more passionate. And this is all fun to watch, as you might imagine.

But since it’s a Danish film, and not an American film, existential reality sets in. The dénouement is still sweet and uplifting, but also (as my old friend would say) GSD.

I don’t remember having any thoughts about the production values, good or bad. I suppose that’s a good thing. I do remember thinking that the characterization of the four main characters and the performances of this ensemble cast were all excellent.

You can watch the trailer here.

Critical Reviews 

* “Another Round is the bland English title of a brilliant Danish comedy originally called Druk. That means drink, or drinking… [yet that] can’t begin to convey the wild beauty and emotional depth of this film.” (Wall Street Journal)

* “A truly wonderful movie about trying to come to grips with life, anchored by terrific performances, infectious music, and a real understanding of the humming discontentment that all adults must learn to navigate in their own ways.” (Vox)

* “Another Round is a breath of fresh air for anyone who has been starving for intelligent entertainment. It’s invigorating and completely credible, thanks to Vinterberg’s approach and the performances of his leading actors.” (Leonard Maltin)

Interesting Facts 

* Another Round has two Academy Award nominations this year: Best International Feature Film and Best Director.

* In the film, Mads Mikkelsen’s character, Martin, has two sons. He was supposed to have a son and a daughter. The daughter was to be played by director Vinterberg’s daughter Ida Maria, but she tragically died in a car accident four days into filming. The movie is dedicated to her.