'Riders of Justice' (15)

 

Director: Anders Thomas Jensen

Cast: Mads Mikkelsen, Nikolaj Lie Kaas, Andrea Heick Gadeberg, Lars Brygmann, Nicholas Bro

Where can I watch?: Riders of Justice is in cinemas now 

Rating: 4/5

Review: There are some films that defy categorisation. For example, from watching the trailer for Riders of Justice, you might assume it to be some form of action comedy with a healthy dose of violence thrown in for good measure. However, Riders of Justice is actually far more complex than that, tackling themes of masculinity, mental health and even the existential alongside the occasional shoot out and grisly murder. At first, it appears to be about revenge - Mads Mikkelsen (looking particularly brutish) returns from a tour following the death of his wife in rail accident that could well be connected with a violent gang. Or was it all merely coincidence? Uncommunicative and unrelenting in his refusal to undertake therapy, Mikkelsen's Markus represents the archetypal army man - silent, unemotional and quick to resort to violence despite the consequences. It soon becomes apparent that this strange little film is as much about male trauma and the different forms of masculinity as it is about tracking down 'the bad guys' - each man in the quirky 'team' that assembles to assist Markus in his quest for justice is dealing with their own demons and losses, yet each has their own particular strength too. As each man comes out of their shell, a strange type of family begins to form - albeit to do something very illegal - and that's where the real strength of the film lies, in the unusual-yet-heartfelt conversations that blossom between these disparate characters. Interwoven with the humour and heartbreak are moments of real emotional pathos and genuine tenderness - despite their idiosyncrasies, each individual is likeable, even understandable, in their own way. And no, it doesn't show that in the trailer.

A Must-Watch?: If you're on the lookout for a guns blazing, smoke-em-if-you've-got-em sort of film, then you might well be disappointed to find that Riders of Justice is in fact a study of male trauma and the crises of masculinity. Strangely touching and emotive, this bizarre outing uses the very masculine theme of violence as a means to unpick male roles, resulting in an engaging watch that's both enjoyable and important.