Did anyone else see the Danish film “Sons of Denmark”? If you are American, you probably only saw it if you are a Liberal, because, let’s be honest, most Americans who watch foreign language films (that have not won an Oscar), are usually quasi-sophisticated, artsy snobs (like me), and these types are most often found squarely Left of center. A Liberal watching “Sons of Denmark” will probably see a film that highlights the dangers of far-Right extremism and xenophobia, and which overtly sympathizes with the Arab-Muslim immigrants depicted.
However, a Right wing viewer – if we can imagine such an anomaly – will actually see the film as a profound and searing justification for anti-immigrant sentiments. Not to give away the climax of the movie, but ultimately, the fears of the far-Right politician played by Rasmus Bjerg are dramatically fulfilled.
That is an interesting thing for a film to achieve; it can confirm two opposite messages simultaneously, depending upon who is watching it. But, I think, the reason this happens to be the case is because the real message of the film is neither.
In my view, the filmmaker wanted to address the tendency of men to project their responsibility for the safety of their families to the realm of broader society. That is, to become engaged in activities for social and political change as an expression of their sense of familial duty, even though that may actually be at the expense of their families. In each case of the three main characters, had they focused their attention on the immediate security and needs of their families, everyone would have likely been fine.
It is a thought-provoking film to say the least, and I highly recommend it, if you can watch it without expecting, or forcing it to confirm your own pre-existing world view.
