Since I've made it my project to see every sci-fi I can get my hands on, this turned out to be a disappointment in that respect. It's not even really a "social fantasy" as much as it is a pseudo-documentary on the struggle between Leftist ideology as it regards work, police, government, and so forth, and the centrist-conservative ideology that the peace of the state is paramount, even if a few radicals have to be eliminated.
In respect to what this film actually is, it angers on both sides of the fence. The escalation is quite limited to a few skirmishes in Denmark, with some unseen labor solidarity in some foreign quarters. Lots of talk, and in fact one of the actors says "Too much chit-chat, not enough action," basically. Conservatives will be angered that radical elements are permitted even as much leeway as they get. Leftists will be angered for being portrayed as terrorists, and, probably ironically, for not enough terrorism.
The kidnapping offers some tension but it is crudely portrayed and rudely resolved. It may be that Denmark's laissez-faire attitude on most everything is what's at fault here. Watkins is normally not this restrained.
In any event, from a personal point of view, I was saddened that in 2015 we have not experienced enough Marxism yet to understand that it just doesn't work with most people, and that's reality. Marxism therefore turns violent from frustration. This is a key element of the plot here also, such as it is. Conservatism is generally the majority opinion when it comes to economics, and therefore the main thrust of Marxism has no place in most societies. The cries in this film about the end of social democracy are mainly complaints of failure of the root of such things. Denmark may be progressive in its social affairs, but when it overlaps to economics, it doesn't appeal to the people. Another thread in the plot has the wiser Marxists making this exact point - "Be careful" they say, but the radical young Lefties will have none of it.
As a primer on how Lefties operate psychologically, this ain't too bad, but, as I said, the action element will probably impress very few.
In respect to what this film actually is, it angers on both sides of the fence. The escalation is quite limited to a few skirmishes in Denmark, with some unseen labor solidarity in some foreign quarters. Lots of talk, and in fact one of the actors says "Too much chit-chat, not enough action," basically. Conservatives will be angered that radical elements are permitted even as much leeway as they get. Leftists will be angered for being portrayed as terrorists, and, probably ironically, for not enough terrorism.
The kidnapping offers some tension but it is crudely portrayed and rudely resolved. It may be that Denmark's laissez-faire attitude on most everything is what's at fault here. Watkins is normally not this restrained.
In any event, from a personal point of view, I was saddened that in 2015 we have not experienced enough Marxism yet to understand that it just doesn't work with most people, and that's reality. Marxism therefore turns violent from frustration. This is a key element of the plot here also, such as it is. Conservatism is generally the majority opinion when it comes to economics, and therefore the main thrust of Marxism has no place in most societies. The cries in this film about the end of social democracy are mainly complaints of failure of the root of such things. Denmark may be progressive in its social affairs, but when it overlaps to economics, it doesn't appeal to the people. Another thread in the plot has the wiser Marxists making this exact point - "Be careful" they say, but the radical young Lefties will have none of it.
As a primer on how Lefties operate psychologically, this ain't too bad, but, as I said, the action element will probably impress very few.