One Hand Clapping (2001) User Reviews (2)

Charming simplicity

[rkj · 7/10 · 21 August 2001]

This movie comes in the middle of a revival of the Danish comedy genre and without achieving brilliance it does charm with a host of good acting, believable lines and above all a terrific performance from veteran actor Jens Okking.

Focusing on the accidental relationship between an undertaker and a middle-aged businessman who just has to sort out one last thing before retiring with his wealth after the death of his long ill wife, the film tells a story about knowing what you want from life, settling scores and the importance of love and self development. Themes that might sound heavy but are elegantly handled.

In the second main character of the film, actor Peter Gantzler makes a very credible person of the restrained undertaker-turned-chauffeur, and the mellow interplay between Okking and Gantzler is the main achievement of this small gem.

The camerawork and editing is functional without interrupting the story and the score is very well picked. Everything works and the film's short length makes it a tight and all together enjoyable story. A real feel good film. Not fantastic, but heart warming.

One Hand Clapping.

[McBuff · 7/10 · 19 August 2001]

This small gem provides us with a welcome return for two Danish movie veterans, director Gert Fredholm, who hasn´t directed a film for 21 years, and star Jens Okking, who after a short ill-fated stint in Euro politics and subsequent health problems is back in form as a millionaire, who learns of a young hairdresser, who may or may not be his daughter. He decides to learn more about her, and hires mortician and mama´s boy (Peter Gantzler) as his personal driver. Part road movie, part comedy-drama, this charming little film won raves from Danish critics, but it´s a bit light-weight; the wrap-up is too fast and easy, but those are minor quibbles in what is basically an excellent (and non-Dogme) movie. Okking is as good as ever, Gantzler funny and endearing (though his part seems very similar to the one he played in "Italiensk for begyndere"), and Susanne Juhász makes a stand out film debut as the hairdresser. The title, by the way, refers to Okking´s ability to clap with only one hand. *** (of ****)