Movie No. 67 (2015): ADAM'S APPLES

Adam's Apples (2007)
Director: Anders Thomas Jensen
Cast: Mads Mikkelsen, Ulrich, Nicolas Bro, Ali Kazim, Paprika Steen
In Danish, with English subtitles

A preacher (Ivan) in a remote church has a penchant for adopting criminals on parole, giving them odd jobs of their choice, on the hope that they reform. At the moment, he has two: a vindictive and trigger-happy Saudi immigrant (Khalid) and an ex-tennis pro (Gunnar), who is alcoholic. A third case arrives. He is Adam, a neo-Nazi who has connections with local gangsters. Ivan asks Adam what he wants to do; Adam replies sarcastically that he wants to bake apple cakes. Ivan approves and entrusts to Adam the apple trees that, at the moment, are riddled with unripe fruits.

But birds and worms start to devour the fruits. This event triggers different reactions from Ivan, Adam, Khalid and Gunnar, which will make us get a closer look at their characters. Ivan, being overly optimistic, dismisses it as a mere test. Adam, surprised at the Ivan's level of optimism, takes upon himself to make Ivan realize that life is not as simple as that. 

The Book of Job is an obvious reference to the 'trials' that Ivan endures. The movie is almost perfect if not for some excesses. The black comedy treatment works well for the movie. All the actors perform well. Cinematography is a demonstration of how art in science are balanced in composition of practically every important scene.

Rating: 3.5/4.0

Date scene: November 30, 2015