Directed by:
Roni EzraScreenplay:
Tobias LindholmCinematography:
Philippe KressComposer:
Jonas StruckCast:
Pilou Asbæk, Lars Mikkelsen, Gustav Dyekjær Giese, Martin Greis-Rosenthal, Joachim Fjelstrup, Jannik Lorenzen, Elliott Crosset Hove, Mikkel Bentzen (more)VOD (1)
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In the early morning of April 9th 1940 the Danish army is alerted. The Germans have crossed the border; Denmark is at war against Europe's strongest army. In Southern Jutland Danish bicycle- and motorcycle companies are ordered out, to against all odds, hold back the forces until the Danish reinforcements can be mobilized. In the fatal hours, we follow second lieutenant Sand (Pilou Asbæk) and his bicycle company - they will as the first Danish soldiers meet the enemy in combat on April 9th 1940. (Nordisk Film Den.)
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Reviews (2)
I had to laugh at some of the reviews here (bikes against tanks, etc.). Almost every European army (including the Germans) had cyclist companies or battalions. The infantry divisions at the beginning of the war had to go on foot, so the bikes were a huge advantage for fast movement. Anyway, back to the movie. I enjoyed it. I appreciate the fact that the Danish creators didn’t try to aggrandize the soldiers (the Americans and Russians should learn from them), so the whole film seemed extremely authentic to me. I was also happy to see great shots of the Pzkpfw II and SdKfz 222/223, and the oppressive atmosphere full of helplessness was excellent. Unlike many war blockbusters, it was really well done.
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A properly told military drama from WW2, once again from a slightly different perspective. This time from the point ofview of a Danish soldier. For instance, you will find out that the infantry wasn’t supported by the tank division, but at least they learnt how to change the tube on a bicycle in half a minute. One can hardly be surprised then that the Germans sliced Europe in half at the beginning of the war with their Blitzkrieg as easily as a blunt knife would cut a stick of butter that had been lying in the sun for half an hour. Seems Europe was simply there for the taking. Apart from this discovery, the movie offers a good deal of Danish pride, which is reflected also in the final scene. That’s nothing new on the face of the earth, but it proves that even European cinematography can make a good war movie.
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Gallery (18)
Photo © Nordisk Film
![April 9th - Photos](http://image.pmgstatic.com/cache/resized/w663/files/images/film/photos/164/010/164010396_28c7a8.jpg)
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