A War (2015) | agoodmovietowatch
Back

Our Take (by Jamie Rutherford)

A War (Krigen) is a Danish war drama that focuses on Commander Claus Pedersen (Pilou Asbæk) as he leads a company of soldiers in modern day Afghanistan, while his wife at home in Denmark struggles to care for their three children. During a mission to rescue a family from Taliban threat, Claus’ unit is overcome by enemy fire, forcing him to make a dramatic decision that has a complicated effect upon himself, his fellow soldiers, and his family back home. A War is a tense yet thoroughly involving drama that offers a profound example of moral ambiguity and the repercussions of warfare. The acting and direction are utterly superb across the board—another enthralling and superbly humanistic affair from Danish filmmaker Tobias Lindholm (A Hijacking).

Notable Critics

"The movie is memorable and draining, but "Full Metal Jacket" it is not."

— Richard Brody

"This movie rescues the concept of "the fog of war" from clich and overuse."

— Michael Sragow

Synopsis

Company commander Claus Michael Pedersen and his men are stationed in Helmand, Afghanistan. Meanwhile back in Denmark, with a husband at war and three children missing their father, everyday life is a struggle for Claus' wife Maria. During a routine mission, the soldiers are caught in heavy Taliban crossfire. In order to save his men, Claus makes a decision that ultimately sees him return to Denmark accused of a war crime.

Awards

Oscars

1 nomination

Nominated: Best Foreign Language Film

Venice

1 nomination

Nominated: Official Selection

European Film Awards

1 nomination

Nominated: Audience Award

Comments

Add your review

Your email address will not be published.*

About the author

Jamie Rutherford

Jamie Rutherford is a contributing writer at A Good Movie to Watch, with film reviews spanning a wide range of genres and eras. Their work on the site has covered titles from Behind the Candelabra to Last Days in Vietnam to Love is Strange.