Tonight there is an Oscar-winning drama about friendship, life’s love and the first risks.
Tonight at 23.35. the first to screen the award-winning Danish film “Der Rausch” (original title: Druk / Another Round). This tragicomic drama tells the story of four teachers who embark on unusual self-experiments to make their lives even more enjoyable.
What “The Rush” is about
The focus is on four Danish teachers, including Mads Mikkelsen, who are in personal and professional life crises. Over dinner, they discuss the provocative theory of Norwegian psychiatrist Finn Skårderud: people are born with about 0.5 per mille too little alcohol in their blood. The four decided to maintain a constant blood alcohol level while working to increase creativity, self-confidence, and joy in life.
At first the experiment seemed successful: their work became enjoyable again, their self-confidence increased and the men’s friendship strengthened. But little by little the dark side of alcohol became apparent and the experiments became increasingly out of control. This film combines comedy and tragedy and focuses on friendship, the meaning of life, and the balance between freedom and responsibility.
Tragic events behind the scenes
Director Thomas Vinterberg suffered a personal tragedy: four days after filming began, his 19-year-old daughter, Ida, died in a car accident. The event forms the emotional depth of the film, which is dedicated to it in the credits (“FOR IDA”). Many scenes were filmed at his school, and former classmates appear as extras.
Also interesting: The final dance sequence, where Mads Mikkelsen dances happily, was filmed without a stunt double and shot over two days. Its combination of joie de vivre and melancholy made the film an international success: “The Rush” won the Oscar for best international film in 2021 and received more than 50 awards worldwide.
Criticism and acceptance
The film was praised for its balance between humor and tragedy. Critics emphasize that “The Intoxication” in no way glorifies alcohol, but instead offers a deep reflection on the joys of life, responsibility and friendship. The film was a huge box office success in Denmark, and internationally it is considered one of the most important films of the last decade.
