markmuhl What an intense movie. Already in the first scene with the younger brother throwing his own wife and kids out of the car in a rather rude way, it becomes obvious that this movie will not meet the usual standards of etiquette.As the movie sticks to the rules of the Dogma 95 manifesto, the whole shooting was done by hand-held cameras. The hence somewhat shaky pictures may be a bit irritating in the beginning but at the same time, they make one feel being very close to the action and the unusual visual angles that become possible by using this technique, draw into the movie. Also, be aware that the movie does not use any background music, which is another concession to the Dogma 95 rules.The most shocking element of the movie probably is not the unadorned disclosure of the committed pedophilia itself but the fact that the whole pretending of being a family with respect for each other is an utter lie and has been for a very long time. It is only conventions of behavior that helped to keep up appearances. Especially the mother is living in her own world of negating the undeniable facts that once were presented to her very own eyes.Then, while some hard-boiled spectator may still shrug his shoulders thinking, that every family has its black sheep and maybe also its obnoxious Boor like the younger brother Michael, the whole evening party starts singing a racist song which is directed towards the black boyfriend of the daughter. Although this happens under the influence of alcohol, one could reply that alcohol only reveals the real character of people, ending in the conclusion that great parts of society are corrupted in a certain way. Some spectator may be able to relate to similar events in his own family background and start feeling uncomfortable about it. Still the movie is not all negative since there are also some pleasant characters like the waitress Pia (plaid by a young Trine Dyrholm) who is in love with the elder son of the family. At the end of the movie her affection is being answered and there is even hope that they both will live a happy life in Paris.For all those, who are looking for a feel-good movie, please go a long way round this one but for all those who fancy exposures of a complacent bourgeoisie, this is a must see.

Steve B I will still call this one of my....I am not sure if favorite is correct, but most remembered films. The story is a surprise. The reactions are a surprise. Anyone who sees this will feel the piercing pain of the story. I saw this without knowing, only the rating. The filming style was new at the time. If you can handle the drama check it out.

azuresky-949-282748 I watched this brave movie last night and thought it was fantastic in that the subject matter of how the painful realities of growing up in a family like this were brought to light in a creative way. It was brilliant in how this is attained and how important a film like this is for those who are silenced and hold the burden of growing up in these so called families where they are the victims and totally unbelieved when broaching the subject of this type of abuse. This is an important film for the future of humanity and celebrating that the TRUTH will set us free. I thank the writer and producer of the film for touching people in a way where the reality of this abuse is exposed. I also feel it is good film to give to friends and supportive people who are helping a loved one who has survived this and is healing. I admire these low budget films where it isn't about the money to produce it. It creates more of a dynamic and focus of human relations instead of all the props and fantasy. Bravo!

nicki_in_belgrade I have just watched Festen - I didn't know anything about the film before I turned it on, only that it had been highly rated. In the beginning everyone was honing towards a family celebration where something was clearly going to happen, but I wasn't prepared for the revelation that came from Christian. I thought the delivery of this was fantastic and so completely unexpected, perfectly juxtaposed. What I thought was even more interesting was the reaction of the guests. People just tried to carry on as normal and ignore this terrible revelation. I guess this is what we often do on these occasions. It was so incredibly uncomfortable but wonderfully captured. I loved the film quality, as though filmed on a hand held camera. It made it feel like a family video, which just exacerbated the awfulness of the situation. It was a great film - I'm not sure I would go in for a second viewing, but really thought it was well done.