Out of the Darkness (2022) User Reviews

Drama for grown-ups

[zeki-4 · 7/10 · 25 August 2022]

I prefer when movies don't insult my intelligence. In this character-driven world war two drama, many things are only implied, which is great. An example: in a short scene a mother and her son want to escape by boat from Denmark to neutral Sweden. We are not told why and we don't know anything about them, but if you know your history, you will be able to fill in the blanks.

But this also presents a dilemma. Not only is this movie the second part of a family saga, so you need to watch the first one in order to get a grasp about what is going on and the who's who. But if you don't know anything about the years of the nazi occupation in Denmark, this could be a tough watch.

By far the strongest points are the moral conflicts and dilemmas that all the characters face. Who can you trust? Where is your loyality? Great stuff here.

Interesting, complex film about Nazi Occupation and Liberation

[WillInDenmark · 9/10 · 11 April 2023]

De Forbandede År 2 is a Danish film directed by Anders Refn, which explores the various aspects of the occupation of Denmark during World War II. The film is a follow-up to the previous installment, De Forbandede År, and picks up in 1943, focusing on the Skov family, a wealthy Danish family deeply divided and confused. The film follows the family as they navigate the various challenges and complexities of the occupation, including collaboration with the Germans, resistance movements, and the impact of the war on Danish society.

The film offers an interesting follow-up to the characters introduced in the previous installment, exploring how their internal emotions change and how the oppressors become oppressed. The film is a nice bookend to the series, with powerful scenes that are both beautiful and engaging. The film features excellent performances from the cast, particularly Jesper Christensen and Bodil Jørgensen as the Skov family, and Mads Reuther as the conflicted antihero Aksel.

The film also offers a nuanced portrayal of the various aspects of the occupation, including the role of the Danish police as German collaborators, the cynical logic of collaborationist policies, and the important role played by communist resistance fighters. The film is a powerful depiction of the war and its impact on Danish society, and a welcome addition to the growing wave of resistance films in Danish cinema.