In a Better World

As a father Anton should have never gone there with his kids to take the slap. Kids do not have that type of perspective, furthermore they don't have a good boundary between their mind and that of their parents. An event like that would inflict some serious trauma on them. IMO it is quite realistic that such an event would precipitate violence from kids.

Sorry... maybe I expected too much perhaps? But I REALLY didnt get this film... nort do I remotely get such a high rankings for it... I hope others do thats not my intent here to throw anyone off... There just wasnt much about this one I liked... Sorry

An excellent, grim story immerses us in reality. Lush film work shows us beautiful surroundings no matter where we are. Intriguing, real characters make us wonder where this is going. Acting is first rate across the board. There is not a false tone, movement, or expression in any character throughout. Casting is A-1. We are shown the conflicting facts of life: good vs evil, helpers vs bullies, health vs. illness, tolerance vs revenge, forgiveness vs grudge, strength vs weakness, comfort vs suffering, happy vs sad, wealthy vs poor, etc. The story's events lead us to expect futility as to the eternal conundrums let alone the complications of this specific plot. Instead, a happy ending imagines "A Better World " than reality could possibly deliver. "IF ONLY," we say. In the end, we are left disturbed by the harsh realities we just witnessed. A knockout!

This is a moving in depth study of the human condition. At times hard to watch but made bearable by a few moment of gentle humour. It is a beautifully made film, it is well written, superbly acted, directed and produced. The work asks questions about forgiveness and revenge; it will stay with me for some considerable time. Disturbing, thought provoking and yet not without hope. "In A Better World" was so thought provoking and challenging that I am hoping to watch it again within the next year. It is highly recommended, even if you do not normally like subtitled films. This really is worth the effort.

Being aware of the risks of overstatement, as I am, I still recommend this as a film both challenging and enjoyable as any I have ever seen. Some other reviews have commented that the film challenges expressions of masculinity, and though that is true, it does to me go to one of the core issues in the wider human condition. And at this point you are probably thinking it is droll and preachy, And it so isn't. It is absolutely gripping and completely unpredictable....those of you worn out with American narrative forms will love this film and be completely exhilarated by it. Think Gran Turismo, but better....

Nothing made sense except the doctor working in Africa. Supposedly smart people kept saying stupid thing. What almost anyone did didn't make sense. I'm sure there was a point to the movie, but so much illogic ruined it for me. The director has made some excellent movies. I can't imagine an excuse for this one.

"But later the veil returns and everything is alright again." It's exactly what many people want to hear, and this movie tells it to them. And wins awards. No! There was said "...and you carry on living. Then things will be alright again." Is there a difference? Yes, it is. But this is lost a few seconds later. Because this is the way a man should speak to a boy? I don't know and I don't want to venture a guess here any more. It seems to be one of the most perfidious "trick of mind" to keep on narrating, to "make a story complete". So the business goes... to capture beautiful pictures of the sky does not make art yet. Try it again, please. It was not bad at all! I'm not mad, I'm sad. A movie full of males, very different, but the faces all disappear so quickly... no, not all: Big Man stays somehow. I have to face it now on my own. Good, that no one tries to tell me a story at this point.

When people face violence, do they respond to tolerance? Or use violence to control violence?A movie that seriously discusses the relationship between people, including hatred and tolerance.