Review by LNAndersen

Not always satisfied with the quality of Danish films in recent decades, I must say that "Fædre og Mødre" together with "Speak no Evil" are the best Danish films since "Antichrist" (2009) in my opinion. "Fædre og Mødre" is also the best Danish comedy since "Idioterne" (1998) with which it has a rather lot in common. The acting and dialogue here are far above average even compared to international films. The film is often subtle in its message, and the humor is delivered in a relatively original way. And even though there's lots of humor, at the end of it most people will propably feel saddened. As for the actors, I would say that especially Katrine Greis-Rosenthal as the seemingly innocent and good-hearted Piv, Rasmus Bjerg as the carefree Per, and Amanda Collin as the passive-aggressive Julie stand out as exceptionelly good. But also the others are great.

As to what the film is about, I would say that it deals with the problem of when does freedom in society lead to too much suffering and idiocy, but it does it in a funny and not very politically correct way, so it never feels preachy.

Compared to "Den Tid På Året" (2018), also by Paprika Steen, this one I find much better. The dialogue is funnier and sharper, and the performances by the actors are significantly better. With "Fædre og Mødre" Paprika Steen has really shown herself to be one of the best directors in Denmark at the moment.