A War
Written and Directed by Tobias Lindholm
Starring: Pilou Asbaek, Tuva Novotny, Dar Salim

Americans are not the only soldiers in Afghanistan. This film looks at the plight of a small Danish unit trying to pacify an area. When they are drawn into a fire fight with the Taliban, Claus Pedersen (Asbaek) makes some decisions that lead to his arrest and trial for the death of eleven civilians.

Meanwhile back in Denmark, his wife, Maria, (Novotny) is struggling to keep things together. One child is acting out; an infant is endangered when she steps away for a minute. Her husband’s long absence has put undue strain on his family.

Claus’s trial is presented in a low-keyed manner–as is the entire movie. With little fanfare, this film is one of the best films about the war in Afghanistan that I remember. Lindholm, using many of the same actors made another great film four years ago, A HIGHJACKING. Both are highly recommended.

Patti Abbott
In addition to being the Crimespree Senior Film Critic, Patti has penned numerous short stories and her debut novel, CONCRETE ANGEL, is in stores now. She hosts a look at Forgotten Books every Friday with readers, writers and reviewers at pattinase.blogspot.com. She hopes you’ll join in.