Another Round
Danish dramedy shows good, bad, and ugly side of alcohol.
Another Round
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Another Round is an excellent Danish comedy drama (with English subtitles) with alcohol playing a central role in the story, as well some strong language. High school teacher Martin (Mads Mikkelsen) and his three friends begin an experiment whereby they maintain a consistent level of alcohol in their blood. They are seen drinking in secret, during the day, and at school. Though the effects of drinking are initially shown to be fun, the downsides are also depicted, with alcoholism taking hold of some. Characters pass out, often injuring themselves -- Martin suffers a bloody nose and later a gashed head -- and in one case even drown. Their drinking also impacts their professional and personal lives. The drinking is not just restricted to the four main adult characters either. Teens are seen playing drinking games, misbehaving, and even being sick. There is strong language throughout, including variants of "f--k," along with "s--t," and "ass." There is one brief non-graphic sex scene and a married character admits to having an affair. Though the movie deals with some bleak adult themes, the friendship between the four central characters is positive. They encourage each other to talk about their feelings, even if alcohol is the catalyst for these conversations.
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What's the Story?
ANOTHER ROUND finds high school teacher Martin (Mads Mikkelsen) suffering with a mid-life crisis. Unable to motivate himself at work and with his marriage breaking down, together with three friends, Martin decides to conduct an experiment whereby they maintain a certain amount of alcohol in their bloodstream. At first the results are more beneficial than any of them predicted. But soon the booze begins to take over their lives.
Is It Any Good?
While its protagonists zig zag their way in a drunken stupor, this brilliant Danish comedy drama manages to navigate itself between joyfulness and sombreness without so much as a stumble. In Another Round, director and co-writer Thomas Vinterberg encapsulates all that alcohol gives but also all that it takes. When the four friends, led by the excellent Mikkelsen, decide to try and drink their way out of their midlife crises, the alcohol gives them a new lease of life. Their work lives improve and even Mikkelsen's seemingly doomed marriage looks to be back on track. But soon their experiment -- to maintain a consistent blood alcohol content of 0.05% -- begins to take over their lives with devastating consequences.
It's bleak stuff, yet such is the camaraderie between the four friends that you never feel overwhelmed, even when you know the good times are coming to an end. It's also refreshing to see four grown men speak so openly about their feelings, even if booze is the kickstart they need. In one of the movie's early scenes, while out celebrating a 40th birthday, Martin unexpectedly opens up to his friends about his feelings of loneliness and self-worth as he dabs away tears. It's a standout scene in what is a standout movie, which concludes with a dance routine that will bring a smile to your face whenever you think about it.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Another Round portrayed drinking. Was it glamorized? Why did the four central characters begin drinking? How did alcohol impact their lives? What were the consequences? Why is that important?
Discuss the strong language used in the movie. Did it seem necessary or excessive? What did it contribute to the movie?
What role did friendship play in the movie? Would you describe the four central characters as having a good relationship with each other? Why, or why not? How did their friendships compare to your own?
If Danish is not a language you speak, how did you find the subtitles? Were they distracting or did you get used to them quickly? What other international movies have you seen, and how did this one compare?
Movie Details
- In theaters: December 18, 2020
- On DVD or streaming: December 18, 2020
- Cast: Mads Mikkelsen, Thomas Bo Larsen, Magnus Millang
- Director: Thomas Vinterberg
- Studio: Samuel Goldwyn Films
- Genre: Drama
- Topics: Friendship
- Character Strengths: Communication
- Run time: 117 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Award: Academy Award
- Last updated: December 31, 2022
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