Archive of films Northwest / Nordvest

Denmark
2013, 91 min

Section: Another View
Year: 2013

Petty thief Casper lives in the poorest part of Copenhagen. When he gets an offer to work for a local gang, he jumps at the chance, but he has no idea how his decision to enter organised crime will change his life. This bleak crime story is filled with intensity and credibility thanks to a hand-held camera, dynamic editing work and fine performances.

Synopsis

Eighteen-year-old Casper lives with his mother, younger brother Andy, and little sister in northwest Copenhagen. This is one of the poorest parts of the city, notorious for crime within the immigrant community. Casper and his friend Robin make money through petty theft and passing on the stolen goods to Jamal, one of the neighbourhood crooks. When the competent and ambitious young man gets an offer to work for a local mob, he can’t resist an opportunity which promises large amounts of regular cash. But then he finds himself caught between two rival gangs. Siblings Casper and Andy are played by real brothers Gustav and Oscar Dyekjær Giese. In Michael Noer’s bleak drama they give wholly convincing performances despite lacking previous acting experience. Bordering on social realism, Noer’s directorial style – in combination with documentary film approaches, a hand-held camera and dynamic editing work – guarantees this crime tale the necessary intensity, impact and credibility.

About the director

Michael Noer (b. 1978) is a graduate of the National Film School in Denmark (2003). He was already earning kudos for his documentaries, which he has been making since 2005. As in his two feature films to date, his documentary work also primarily focuses on young people. He embarked on feature filmmaking with the prison drama R (2010), which he co-directed with Tobias Lindholm. The film was a success at numerous festivals, including KVIFF, and it was also nominated for a Lux Award, presented by the European Parliament. Noer’s second feature Northwest was also well received, like his debut R winning the FIPRESCI Prize at the Göteborg IFF. Filmography: En rem af huden (2003), Mimis sidste valg (2005), Hawaii (2006), Jorden under mine fødder (2006), Vesterbro (2007), De vilde hjerter (2008), R (2010), Son of God (2010), and Northwest (2013).

Contacts

Danish Film Institute
Gothersgade 55, 1123, Copenhagen
Denmark
Tel: +45 337 434 00
Fax: +45 337 434 01
E-mail: [email protected]
www: www.dfi.dk

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About the film

Color, DCP

Section:	Another View

Director:	Michael Noer
Screenplay:	Rasmus Heisterberg, Michael Noer
Dir. of Photography:	Magnus Nordenhof Jønck
Music:	Kasper Janus Rasmussen, Rasmus Winther Jensen
Editor:	Adam Nielsen
Producer:	René Ezra, Tomas Radoor
Production:	Nordisk Film A/S
Cast:	Gustav Dyekjær Giese, Oscar Dyekjær Giese, Roland Møller
Contact:	Danish Film Institute

www:	www.nordvestfilm.dk