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Strange Planet (2023)
Disappointed
As a fan of the comics I'm disappointed in the series.
The episodes are too typical of any sitcom, but in this case they are anticlimactic and difficult to truly sit through and watch all the way through.
The show is good background TV for those who enjoy having that, and perhaps it may be good low-effort watching when tired or anxious. But don't expect any big laughs or revelations like with the comic.
Hopefully future seasons improve, but until then there are far better things to watch - even in the low-effort, non-revolutionary category.
I believe that those who enjoy this are the most dedicated fans, and I'm happy that they're happy. The rest of us shall wait and see if it gets better.
Ehrengard: The Art of Seduction (2023)
Great Danish humor and gorgeous visuals
Prepare yourself for beautiful set and costume design based on Queen Margrethe's artwork and excellent Danish humor.
To respond to a few other reviews: no, Danes are not upset that the queen spent so much time on this film. We are proud of her work in the arts and feel that it is part of what makes her human, relatable, and giving back to society. We enjoy when our royal family are approachable and part of society, and not just locked up in a castle detached from the rest of the world.
Also the nudity in the film is quite normal by Danish standards. It is not crude but rather artistic.
Some of the jokes are crude by American standards, but that is also normal in Denmark. It all dances on a fine line. Sexuality is not taboo in Denmark.
I invite people to watch this with an open mind. It is a comedy. So it is exaggerated and ridiculous compared to true high society, yet even as a comedy there are elements of truth to it. The cultural context of the film, and the book it is based on, influence the characters, settings, actions, story line, etc. And thus do reflect a Danish psyche that is far more light hearted that it has typically been judged to be.
I believe it can serve as great cultural insight, and if not then some great viewing, good laughs, and lots of surprises throughout the story.
The story telling is atypical - even if the story itself and plot aren't particularly unheard of - which makes it a nice little treat.
The Invention of Lying (2009)
Absolutely touching
It's funny, sweet, touching, and while it starts off quite unrealistic (as comedies often do) in that the brute honesty in their world hasn't provoked any increase in compassion or decrease in shame compared to our world, as one would imagine it might if honesty were the standard for all of humanity's history in their world, it does turn out to be a very insightful look into various aspects of humanity, our motivations, psyche, modern western culture, and relationship dynamics.
As such, I appreciate the choice to keep our society's present insecurities, judgments, values, etc. In tact for this movie as it does serve it much better than trying to propose or imagine what we might be like with a complete history of honesty - as that would be a different film all together.
I'll add that it's an easy watch for days when you need something heartfelt and smart, but not too heavy on the emotional or mental energy requirements for watching and keeping up.
It's 2009, so slightly a product of it's time, but has aged quite well. It may be less relevant or interesting to Gen-Zs than millennials and older who grew up with more of the concepts reflected in the film, particularly if raised in the English speaking world or it's most closely related cultures.