The Danish Girl

From the first mention, The Danish Girl was a clear favourite for a film that would see more than one Oscar nomination, no doubt about it. In the end, it is a skillfully made biographical drama with appealing visuals and a subtle musical score, all dominated by a particularly gripping premise and very convincing performances by the two leads. Eddie Redmayne's somewhat androgynous appearance adds to the level of authenticity of his character, while Alicia Vikander relies on a realistic portrayal of a woman whose husband believes she is a woman trapped in a man's body. The film depicts the incredible story of two people who love each other deeply, even if it's more about mental support than physical attraction. (08/02/2016)

Tom Hooper's craftsmanship cannot be denied, everything is exactly in its place, every scene has its meaning, the cinematography works perfectly in relation to the characters and the actors get the most out of their performances. Eddie Redmayne is traditionally convincing and likeable, Alicia Vikander is phenomenal. But as far as any message or dramatic value is concerned, apart from the theme itself, there is nothing to write home about. Above all, the film doesn't feel very much like a true life story, the action doesn't reach the required emotional heights, and although the driving force is supposed to be primarily a depiction of the fateful love and affection between the two protagonists, it fails to extend their feelings beyond the expressions and inflections of the actors. Overall, it’s a bit underdeveloped, in small details and individual components, but definitely engaging and pretty good. 70% (06/04/2016)

I know next to nothing about this issue and since I'm not some enthusiastic liberal, I didn't really feel like watching this movie. Paradoxically, I found the story intriguing, the acting performances were also great, but the two hours were simply too long. The way Tom Hooper filmed it just plain irritated me – awfully tedious, ridiculously long, and incredibly tacky. The music (I don’t understand how Desplat could have created such a brilliant soundtrack to The Grand Budapest Hotel and now this) in combination with the plot roused the feelings of genuine antipathy in me. That one Oscar for Vikander was well-deserved, but otherwise I have zero desire to watch this movie again. (05/03/2016)

Beyond the ethereal acting performances, the movie didn’t really surprise me with anything. And it wasn’t supposed to. I don’t understand the topic and it’s hard for me even get into it a little bit. On the other hand, I admit that Eddie Redmayne is an incredible actor; just as incredible as Alicia Vikander is beautiful. And since I like European movies, I appreciated actors such as Matthias Schoenaerts and Sebastian Koch, who have taken the quality to the absolute top. (15/02/2016)

So this was a real good dose of emotions excellently fitted into two hours. I literally immersed myself in The Danish Girl and savored every minute of it. Extraordinary acting performances, a great screenplay, but also great settings. It’s been a long time since I saw a movie that would talk to me through such heartfelt emotions, despair, passion and joy. I can’t give this anything less than a full set of stars. If you appreciate a good emotional drama, The Danish Girl is just the right thing for you. (16/01/2016)