A War – Film Review by Frank L.

Directed by Tobias Lindholm
Writer: Tobias Lindholm
Stars: Tuva Novotny, Pilou Asbæk, Dar Salim

Set in Helmand province in Afghanistan and in a suburb of a Danish town, the two locations are connected by Claus M. Pedersen (Pilou Asbaek), who with his company of soldiers are fighting the Taliban while his wife Maria (Tuva Novotny) is back home in Denmark with their three young children, trying to keep the show on the road without Claus. Lindholm, through small incidents with the children, shows how difficult it is on wives when their husbands are posted far way to prosecute a war. Maria’s daily battles are not life or death but Tuva Novotny without histrionics demonstrates how tough it is getting through the mundane single handed. In addition she has the underlying fear that her man, Claus, is in mortal danger.

Lindholm in the first half displays how nerve-wracking a posting to Afghanistan was for Nato troops. His men are living on the edge of their nervous systems. Inevitably he, as leader, must make some snap decisions. He makes one in particular which has consequences not only in Afghanistan but also for him back in Denmark. But those consequences also embrace Maria and his three children. Pilou Asbaek as a soldier in uniform and as father in mufti (civilian clothing) gives a performance that is grounded in reality. It is measured and strong even when he is in the loneliest spots.

Lindholm has created a film which without finger wagging or jingoism highlights some of the consequences of war on a soldier and his family. Claus is a professional soldier who, as a civilian, is a good father. There are rules which apply to conflicts which need to be followed and if they are not followed it is possible that the consequences for an upright soldier like Claus can be life changing. Politicians and all citizens advocating intervention in foreign wars would be well advised to watch this intelligent film. There are no swashbuckling heroes. Claus is a regular guy. He has a fine wife in Maria. Lindholm places Claus and his family in the reality of war in a foreign land with calmness, judgement and concern.