theskylabadventure
The current iteration of this film on DVD in the UK proudly claims on the cover that this is "Hostel meets Seven". They may just as well have written that it's "The Social Network meets Weekend at Bernie's" - it's about a student and involves dead bodies. I mention this up front in the hope of sparing those of lesser cynicism than I from being totally misled about the movie.In Nightwatch, a truly inspired set up and a fantastic opening 20 minutes is quickly squandered and we're left with a murder mystery by numbers. Our protagonist, Martin, takes a job as a night watchman in a morgue. His first night on the job, where he's shown around by the outgoing guard, is truly brilliant and could have made a fantastic short. From here we're led into a convoluted story about a series of high-profile murders and their contrived connection to Martin and his friends. There's a huge red herring which is so blatantly telegraphed early on that you're too irritated to care how it turns out. What actually transpires is so hackneyed, far reached and fatally full of plot holes that it makes the red herring seem plausible by comparison.There are a few nasty set pieces, some genuine suspense and a couple of good chuckles, being this is essentially a routine affair. The characterisations are thin at best, the plot is ludicrous and the denouement is frankly insulting to even the most simple-minded viewer.Pity. This could've been great. Watch it for the opening 20 minutes, but don't expect much beyond that.
Camera Obscura
NIGHTWATCH (Ole Bornedal - Denmark 1994).Danish writer-director Bornedal made an extremely suspenseful film about young law student Martin (Nikolaj Coaster Waldau) in Copenhagen who takes a job as the nightwatchman at a mortuary. A serial killer is lose on the streets, leaving behind a string of scalped female victims. Soon after Martin started his new job, one of the victims is brought in. That's when Martin meets homicide detective Peter Wörmer (Ulf Pilgaard). When one night one of the victims in the morgue is molested, Martin being the nightwatchman is suspected and soon finds himself trapped in a carefully planned frame-up.Suspenseful, black humour, some necrophilia, this is superior genre movie-making. Bornedal goes for an ultra-realistic style and certainly employs some very skillfull set-ups that will have you on the edge of your seat. The performances are all-round perfect. In fact, I cannot recall a genre film of this kind with so many impressive performances. Superior scripting and character development by Bornedal helps this, but exceptional nevertheless. Kim Bodnia's role as Martin best friend Jens Arkiel got him noticed and he would later star in an equally impressive role in PUSHER (1996). Bornedal also directed an inferior American remake in 1997 starring Ewan McGregor.Camera Obscura --- 9/10
Matija Trost
I first saw Nattevagten in 1994 when it came in theaters. After i saw it, I was very pleased to choose this one, instead one of the Hollywood movies, since it was so enjoyable to watch. What can i say....A great script with some minor flaws, very good acting from all of the cast, superb camera movement making this movie sometimes shocking. And an intelligent story, but that's reasonable, since it came from Europe. In 2003 I watched it again for the all times sake. It was still good, but sadly, this is one of the movies made for one-time watching... especially in a dark room.7 out of 10
eigerwall
This must be one of the best Horror-movies i seen (makes you wonder why some people like to work in a morg). The acting is real good, expecially Kim Bodnia who plays Martins good (but a little bit crazy) freind. I must admit that i was really scared the first time i saw this movie. The scene with the missing body and the bloody foothprints was nearly to much (I just wanted to quit the movie and go to bed). I have not seen the Hollywood-version of this film, the Nightwatch but i dont think it´s nearly as good as the original. Just the fact that the people speaks danish in stead of english makes it (I dont know why) just brilliant. This is a masterpiece from the director Ole Bornedal. Must be seen bye any horror-fan. 8 out of 10.
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