Love Is All You Need

Director Susanne Bier's romantic comedy stars Pierce Brosnan as Philip, a rich, handsome widower whose son, Patrick (Sebastian Jessen), is about to wed Astrid (Molly Blixt Egelind), at one of Philip's properties—a beautiful Italian coastal retreat. At the airport, however, Philip's car is hit by Ida (Trine Dyrholm), a hairdresser recently treated for breast cancer who has just discovered that her husband has been unfaithful. Naturally, she turns out to be Astrid's mother, and once the pair reach their common destination they gradually develop feelings for one another despite the efforts of Philip's abrasive sister-in-law, Benedikte (Paprika Steen), to snare him for herself, and an appearance by Ida's husband, who tactlessly brings along his new girlfriend. Although the film features bits of business that would easily fit in a Doris Day/Rock Hudson comedy, Bier adds a melancholy undercurrent that brings some sour to the sweetness. And the gorgeous locale certainly doesn't hurt, presented here with a bright and shimmering color palette that makes shots look like picture-perfect postcards. While this is a minor work from the Oscar-winning director of In a Better World, it is a charming divertissement. Recommended. [Note: DVD/Blu-ray extras include audio commentary by costar Pierce Brosnan and director Susanne Bier, an interview with Brosnan and costar Trine Dyrholm (10 min.), a Q&A with Brosnan, Dyrholm, Bier, and screenwriter Anders Thomas Jensen (9 min.), an interview with Brosnan (8 min.), a behind-the-scenes featurette (6 min.), and trailers. Bottom line: a fine extras package for a solid rom-com.] (F. Swietek)