'Pusher II (2004)' follows Mads Mikkelsen as Tonny, a side-character from Pusher '(1996)', as he once again exits prison and tries to earn his father's respect by stealing cars for his dodgy business. As he begins to adjust back to non-incarcerated life, he comes to discover that he himself may have a son. The film can be easily watched without having seen its predecessor, despite the fact that it features a couple of the same characters and makes one or two references to that prior title's plot. It's quite a bit different from that movie, too. It isn't an exercise in ratcheting tension and increasing desperation, rather it's a relatively introspective drama about fatherhood and, more specifically, the central character's relationship to it. He strives for a connection with his cold and uncaring dad, while struggling to reconcile his own responsibility to the child he may or may not have fathered. Ultimately, it's about breaking the cycle of apathy that has trapped the fairly unintelligent protagonist in a world of small-time crime, emotional (and physical) impotence and an absence of love. Of course, the flick still deals with bad men who do bad things (particularly to women) and get paid for it, but there's an aspect of tenderness - however subtle or, even, intangible it may be - that makes this story much more affecting than it otherwise would be. As such, it's an experience that will stay with you for longer than 'Pusher (1996)' and, for my money, that makes it better. The movie isn't always especially compelling, primarily because its pacing drags a little here and there, but it's always entertaining enough to keep you engaged. It's also varied in terms of tone, often going from dark comedy to poignant tragedy and back again, which keeps you on your toes and prevents any significant boredom. The picture feels cohesive overall, with a solid understanding of its themes and the patience required to really hammer home its emotional elements. Even though it may seem like a brash crime saga on the surface, it's actually a rather considered art film that sneakily delivers a surprisingly solid character study. Mads Mikkelsen is superb in the starring role, subtly portraying a litany of emotions often without even saying a word. Overall, this is a considered and affecting picture that makes you care about its protagonist despite his sometimes brutish nature.
