From The Hurt Locker to American Sniper, The Academy Awards have a history of nominating (and awarding) films about what happens to soldiers when they return home form active duty. This year, they continue the trend by nominating Denmark’s A War for best Foreign Language Film. From A Hijacking director Tobias Lindholm, the film examines the tumultuous domino effect one man’s actions in Afghanistan have on his young family. So it’s not unlike Force Majeure, but without the film’s dry comedic bent. In his review, Mike D’Angelo says the film “radiates intelligence and fairness” and that it’s “a thoughtful alternative to overblown Hollywood war movies.”
A War opens in select Chicago theaters on February 19, but The A.V. Club and Magnolia Pictures have an opportunity for you to see it for free on February 18. For your chance to win a pair of passes to the advance screening, simply follow the link here and enter your information. Remember: Advance screenings are often intentionally overbooked, so be sure to arrive early if you want to guarantee yourself a seat. An official synopsis and trailer for the film can be found below.
“Company commander Claus M. Pedersen (Pilou Asbæk) and his men are stationed in an Afghan province. Meanwhile, back in Denmark, Claus’ wife Maria (Tuva Novotny) is trying to hold everyday life together with a husband at war and three children missing their father. During a routine mission, the soldiers are caught in heavy crossfire and in order to save his men, Claus makes a decision that has grave consequences for him – and his family back home.”