In-depth Movie Reviews and Cinema Insights: In China They Eat Dogs (1999)
Director: Lasse Spang Olsen
Genre: Action, Crime, Dark Comedy
Starring: Kim Bodnia, Dejan Cukic, Nikolaj Lie Kaas
The Danish film In China They Eat Dogs is a dark comedy that blends crime and absurdist humor with an unconventional narrative that explores themes of fate, morality, and the price of ambition. Known for its quirky, irreverent style, the film has gained a cult following and exemplifies the unique humor found in Scandinavian cinema.
Plot Overview
Arvid (Dejan Cukic) is a mild-mannered bank teller leading an unremarkable life when he becomes a reluctant hero after foiling a robbery. However, his heroism backfires when he realizes he’s ruined the life of the robber, who needed the money to fund his wife’s fertility treatment. Arvid, feeling guilty, seeks the help of his morally flexible brother, Harald (Kim Bodnia), to gather money for the couple. This plan quickly spirals out of control as the two brothers become entangled in a series of escalating criminal mishaps, pushing them further away from their everyday lives and deeper into the criminal underworld.
Their journey involves botched heists, betrayals, and increasingly absurd situations, all while challenging Arvid's simplistic view of right and wrong. As Arvid and Harald find themselves in way over their heads, they encounter a range of eccentric characters, each one more unpredictable than the last, who shape their moral descent.
Themes and Analysis
Morality and Consequence: At its core, In China They Eat Dogs examines the complexity of moral decisions. Arvid's journey from a law-abiding citizen to an accidental criminal is motivated by guilt and a misguided sense of justice, raising questions about how far one should go to "do the right thing." As he continues to compromise his morals, the film questions the cost of ethical decisions and whether “good” intentions justify unethical actions.
Fate and Free Will: The film explores the idea that fate is often a product of choice and circumstance. Arvid’s decision to help the robber leads to a chain of events that unravel his life in unexpected ways, showing how single decisions can drastically alter a person’s fate. The film highlights the unpredictability of life and the irony of trying to control outcomes in a chaotic world.
Absurdity of Life: Embracing a darkly comedic tone, the film underscores the inherent absurdity in everyday situations when pushed to extremes. The humorous yet grim scenarios serve as a commentary on how people tend to complicate their lives with misguided aspirations or decisions, often leading to outlandish consequences.
Cinematic Style
Director Lasse Spang Olsen uses a fast-paced, stylized approach to enhance the film’s dark humor and create a sense of escalating chaos. The cinematography and editing emphasize the absurdity of each situation, with quick cuts and close-ups capturing both the tension and the comedic undertones of the story. Olsen’s use of deadpan humor and understated visual gags is integral to the film's tone, creating a uniquely Danish style that finds humor in dark, ironic scenarios.
Performances
Dejan Cukic delivers a strong performance as Arvid, portraying him as a well-meaning but naïve man whose desire to do right leads him down a morally dubious path. Cukic’s portrayal brings both humanity and humor to the character, capturing Arvid's internal conflict as he strays further from his moral compass. Kim Bodnia, as Arvid’s brother Harald, is a stark contrast with his tough, pragmatic demeanor. Bodnia’s performance is sharp and dynamic, adding a layer of menace and dark charm to the story.
Nikolaj Lie Kaas and other supporting cast members add depth to the story, portraying a range of eccentric characters who help emphasize the film’s darkly humorous tone.
Legacy and Reception
Upon its release, In China They Eat Dogs garnered a mixed reception, as its dark humor and unconventional plot were divisive among audiences and critics. However, over time, it has achieved cult status, especially among fans of dark comedy and Scandinavian cinema, due to its unique narrative style and exploration of moral ambiguity. The film’s success led to a prequel, Old Men in New Cars, which explores Harald's life prior to the events of In China They Eat Dogs.
The film’s legacy lives on as an exemplar of Danish dark comedy and a reflection of the complex, often bleak outlook of Scandinavian humor. It continues to be appreciated for its satirical take on crime, fate, and morality, with audiences drawn to its mix of existential questions and absurd plot twists.
Conclusion
In China They Eat Dogs is a thought-provoking and darkly comedic examination of morality and fate, wrapped in a crime story filled with absurd and unexpected turns. With a unique narrative style and memorable performances, it challenges viewers to reflect on the consequences of seemingly small decisions, leaving them to wonder about the fine line between good intentions and moral compromise.
