Another Round
Year: 2020
Directed by: Thomas Vinterberg
Starring: Thomas Bo Larsen, Mads Mikkelsen, Magnus Millang & Lars Ranthe
Runtime: 117 mins
BBFC: 12
Published: 29/07/21
Directed by: Thomas Vinterberg
Starring: Thomas Bo Larsen, Mads Mikkelsen, Magnus Millang & Lars Ranthe
Runtime: 117 mins
BBFC: 12
Published: 29/07/21
I think I speak for most people who consume alcohol that when you drink enough to feel that buzz, it’s one of the greatest feelings in the world. That equilibrium of increased confidence and charisma, whilst still maintaining control of your body and thoughts. It’s a fine balance to achieve, but when you manage to get to that exact point, it’s hard not to feel like the best version of yourself.
Another Round follows the story of four high school teachers, Martin (Mads Mikkelsen), Tommy (Thomas Bo Larsen), Peter (Lars Ranthe), and Nikolaj (Magnus Millang), who in some way are extremely underwhelmed with their personal or professional lives. At Nikolaj’s fortieth birthday the friends discuss a theory proposed by psychiatrist Finn Skarderud, that humans are born with a blood alcohol content that is too low, and that a sustained BAC level of 0.05% is the optimum amount to be happier and more confident without suffering any debilitating physical or mental side effects.
The four friends then put this theory to the test and document the results for research purposes. Starting off by raising their BAC to 0.05%, and gradually increasing this level over time to determine where the tipping point is, and whether different people operate more efficiently with higher BAC than others.
Another Round follows the story of four high school teachers, Martin (Mads Mikkelsen), Tommy (Thomas Bo Larsen), Peter (Lars Ranthe), and Nikolaj (Magnus Millang), who in some way are extremely underwhelmed with their personal or professional lives. At Nikolaj’s fortieth birthday the friends discuss a theory proposed by psychiatrist Finn Skarderud, that humans are born with a blood alcohol content that is too low, and that a sustained BAC level of 0.05% is the optimum amount to be happier and more confident without suffering any debilitating physical or mental side effects.
The four friends then put this theory to the test and document the results for research purposes. Starting off by raising their BAC to 0.05%, and gradually increasing this level over time to determine where the tipping point is, and whether different people operate more efficiently with higher BAC than others.
It doesn’t sound particularly thrilling when I put it into words, but Another Round is a very funny, but also deeply concerning critique of people’s relationship to, and dependency on alcohol to feel better about themselves. Having the four main characters as high school teachers only strengthens this concept even more because of the relationship young adults have with alcohol; particularly in Denmark where drinking from a younger age is not a social taboo in the same way it is here in the UK, or in the U.S.
Seeing the effect, the investigation has on each man’s personal life is also interesting, with Martin and Nikolaj both in loveless marriages. Martin is the main character of the film, with him having the most character development and screen time; and I really enjoyed the way his professional life as a teacher improves, allowing him to deliver lessons more effectively to his students because of his elevated emotional state; all whilst this is contrasted with his home life which fluctuates between improving and eventually totally destabilising.
Another Round is a great film for people who are interested in sociology and psychology. But I don’t see it resonating with the masses because of its reliance on academic theories and thoughtful discussions on the repercussions of their actions. It’s highly scientific, and whilst it is an enjoyable comedy, I feel the seriousness of the subject matter may turn a lot of people off.
Personally, I enjoyed it a lot, and I would recommend people check it out. But I can see it being something that not many will appreciate the same way I have.
Seeing the effect, the investigation has on each man’s personal life is also interesting, with Martin and Nikolaj both in loveless marriages. Martin is the main character of the film, with him having the most character development and screen time; and I really enjoyed the way his professional life as a teacher improves, allowing him to deliver lessons more effectively to his students because of his elevated emotional state; all whilst this is contrasted with his home life which fluctuates between improving and eventually totally destabilising.
Another Round is a great film for people who are interested in sociology and psychology. But I don’t see it resonating with the masses because of its reliance on academic theories and thoughtful discussions on the repercussions of their actions. It’s highly scientific, and whilst it is an enjoyable comedy, I feel the seriousness of the subject matter may turn a lot of people off.
Personally, I enjoyed it a lot, and I would recommend people check it out. But I can see it being something that not many will appreciate the same way I have.