In a Better World

Danish director Susanne Bier's Oscar-winning In a Better World dramatizes the propensity for violence even in modern “liberal” society. Humanitarian doctor Anton (Mikael Persbrandt) treats patients in Africa, including pregnant women brutalized by a powerful thug called the Big Man. Back home in Denmark, Anton is separated from his wife, Marianne (Trine Dyrholm), but maintains a close relationship with his adoring young son, Elias (Markus Rygaard), a meek lad who is the target of a school bully. The boy finds an unlikely defender in newcomer Christian (William Jøhnk Nielsen), who is traumatized by his mother's recent death. When Christian himself is assaulted by the bully, he responds violently, prompting a police inquiry in which Elias is also implicated. Christian also draws Elias into a plot to take vengeance on a man they had seen insult Anton. Meanwhile, on his African tour, Anton faces a dilemma when the Big Man comes to his compound with an infected leg—should he treat him or let him die? Serving up a rumination on the darkest human impulses, In a Better World is unsettling, not just because of the violence it depicts but also for the difficult questions it raises. A thoughtful, penetrating drama, marked by strong performances, this is highly recommended. [Note: Blu-ray/DVD Combo extras include audio commentary with director Susanne Bier and editor Pernille Bech Christensen, an interview with Bier (16 min.), deleted scenes (14 min.), trailers, and the BD-Live function. Bottom line: a fine extras package for this thought-provoking Oscar-winner.] (F. Swietek)