Movie Review: The Day We Died (2020)

Also Known As: Powder Keg; Krudttønden  

Genre: Terrorism Drama  

Director: Ole Christian Madsen  

Starring: Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Lars Brygmann, Albert Arthur Amiryan  

Running Time: 106 minutes  

Synopsis: In 2015, the world is shocked when Islamist terrorists attack the Paris offices of the satirical Charlie Hebdo magazine. In Copenhagen, documentary filmmaker Finn (Lars Brygmann) struggles with the degradation of free speech. Aging SWAT squadron leader Rico (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) is resisting the reality that his banged-up body means his career is ending. And unemployed Dan Uzan volunteers as a security guard at a local synagogue. Meanwhile, serial criminal Omar (Albert Arthur Amiryan) is released from prison, having been radicalized by ISIS propaganda. He starts plotting an attack inspired by the Paris atrocities.

What Works Well: Based on actual events, the methodical retracing of four lives destined to violently collide carries the intensity of normalcy heading towards disaster. Without resorting to melodrama, director Ole Christian Madsen delves into the personal and professional hopes and frustrations of Finn (artist butting heads with financiers); Rico (staring at the end of an illustrious career); and Dan (still living in hope despite failing to launch). Omar's journey is not shortchanged, from angry young man with no prospects to radicalized terrorist-in-the-making.

What Does Not Work As Well: The mood is relentlessly dour, cold, and detached. No one seems to ever smile or encounter any moments of joy, as if all the characters are already aware of the drama's end. 

Key Quote:

Rico: Can we preserve that which makes us human?

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