World Films at the Library
Featuring on Thursday, May 24, 2012, at 2:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m.
In a Better World (Denmark)
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When In a Better World took the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film for 2010, it counted as a mild upset … but only because the movie hadn't opened in the United States yet. Anybody who actually sees the film won't be at all surprised at its acclaim, and this emotional powerhouse is exactly the kind of movie that wins Oscars. The subject is ambitious: how eye-for-an-eye violence takes root, whether the setting is a Danish neighborhood or global politics. Two bullied boys (a cowering Markus Rygaard and a furious William Jøhnk Nielsen) are not only fed up with a violent tormentor at school, they're also disgusted with an adult blowhard, whose size does not intimidate them. The father of the weaker boy has tried to set an example by turning the other cheek toward the local creep, a virtue he has perfected after completing his regular medical service in a chaotic African country ruled by warlords who carry out appalling atrocities and then expect medical treatment themselves. Meanwhile, the doctor's estranged wife resists his attempts at reconciliation, while getting to know the other boy's distracted father. Director Susanne Bier has crafted this film with great care and each new strand of the plot is thought out and carefully placed. Simply put, In a Better World is a tough piece of work, subtle in some ways, obvious in others, and viscerally affecting throughout.
In Danish with English subtitles.
Unless otherwise notified, the library will show films on the 2nd & 4th Thursday of each month. All films in the series are free of charge.
While we will continue to show films from Film Movement, a distributor of award-winning foreign and independent films, we are also excited to now be able to select and present a wider variety of titles with an emphasis on motion pictures that have not been exhibited at local theaters. Film programs at the library will now include, but not be limited to, current first run features, independent films, film classics, world films and documentaries. Our goal is to provide the community with an opportunity to view motion pictures from many different genres and cultures and to enhance awareness and understanding of the art of film.
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See you at the movies!
Already Shown
2012
January 26: Sarah's Key (France & US)
February 9: Beginners (US)
March 8: Incendies (Canada & France)
March 22: Made in Dagenham (Great Britain)
April 12: Take Shelter (U.S.)
May 10: The Piano in a Factory (China)
2011
May 19: Bomber (US/UK)
June 16: 1981 (Canada)
July 21: Only When I Dance (Brazil)
August 18: The Drummer (Hong Kong)
September 15: The Wind Journeys (Columbia)
October 20: If I Want to Whistle, I Whistle (Romania)
November 17: The Colors of the Mountain (Columbia)
December 15: Holiday Affair (US)