"A War" is a gripping Danish war drama that delves deep into the moral complexities faced by soldiers on the battlefield. Released in 2015, the film was directed and written by Tobias Lindholm.
Synopsis:
The story revolves around Claus Pedersen, a Danish army commander stationed in Afghanistan. While trying to protect his men and lead his unit, Claus is caught in a dire situation that results in a civilian tragedy.
Back home in Denmark, he faces a trial for war crimes, and the film intricately explores the blurred lines between right and wrong in the heat of battle.
Cast and Characters:
- Claus Pedersen (Pilou Asbæk): The compassionate and dutiful army commander who finds himself in a moral quagmire both on the battlefield and in the courtroom.
- Maria Pedersen (Tuva Novotny): Claus's wife, who struggles with the challenges of raising their three children alone while grappling with the consequences of her husband's decisions.
- Najib Bisma (Dar Salim): A loyal soldier in Claus's unit, who plays a pivotal role in the unfolding events.
Where to Stream
United States (US):
There are currently no streaming offers in the US.
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Australia (AU):
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United Kingdom (GB):
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- Stream: ITVX, Studiocanal Presents Amazon Channel, Viaplay
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Germany (DE):
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Spain (ES):
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- Stream: Filmin
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France (FR):
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Canada (CA):
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Production Details:
Directed and penned by Tobias Lindholm, "A War" offers a realistic portrayal of modern warfare, avoiding the glamorization often seen in war films.
The film was shot in authentic locations, including Turkey, Spain, and Denmark, to capture the stark contrast between the war zone and home. Lindholm's meticulous approach to storytelling is evident in the film's nuanced characters and morally ambiguous situations.
Reception and Awards:
Critical reception: Critics universally praised "A War" for its unflinching portrayal of the moral dilemmas faced by soldiers. The film was lauded for its balanced narrative, which neither judges nor justifies its characters' actions but presents them as they are.
Audience reception: The film resonated with audiences for its thought-provoking content, compelling performances, and its realistic portrayal of the challenges of modern warfare.
"A War" was nominated for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 88th Academy Awards.
Trivia and Fun Facts:
- Director Tobias Lindholm had previously collaborated with lead actor Pilou Asbæk in the acclaimed film "A Hijacking" (2012).
- To ensure authenticity, Lindholm included real Afghan refugees and Danish soldiers who had been stationed in Afghanistan in the film.
- The courtroom scenes in the movie were shot in a real courtroom in Denmark, adding to the film's realistic atmosphere.
"A War" stands out as a poignant exploration of the human cost of warfare, emphasizing the personal and moral challenges faced by those on the front lines and their families back home.