I saw 'Blinkende Lygter' after watching first 'Adam's Apple's' and then 'The Green Butchers', so effectively in reverse order! The thing that captivates me so much about Jensen's writer/directorial outings is the wonderfully individual black humour he brings to the screen. It took me three movies to realise that he reminds me a great deal of Beat Takeshi, in fact this movie - "Flickering Lights" - reminded me a lot of "Sonatine", my favourite of all Beat's movies. The theme was very similar; a criminal gang run away to live in seclusion in the countryside and come to a better understanding of who they are and what they really want. There's a gentle, subtle affection that bonds the four men together - despite their violent occupation and chaotic lives - and the sense that they all share a common need for family, stability and purpose they together they realise they can provide for each other.
More than anything I thought this was a wonderful film about male friendships and how important it is for men to support each other in their endeavours. And, although Torvild initially goes off selfish and half-cocked in his plans, as the dad of the group he ultimately gets everyone what they need and keeps his family together. Heartwarming and hilarious. One I will re-watch many times.
