The Celebration Reviews

(MU) Not too much to sustain a manifesto, but it's creepy stuff the hate and ocassionaly harmony of a family with a sexual abusive father, exposed by his sons in his party...

After watching this film, I left with a really awkward feeling that what I saw is going to stick with me for days. One of the most unique experiences I ever had.

The thing about being a regular movie watcher is that you reach a stage where very few movies compel you to think about them in bed before going to sleep. This is one of those movies.
Festen is a story of a Helge and his household. It is his 60th birthday and every member of the family is arriving at his house for a party. I won't say what happened then because I don't want to ruin this movie for you but it was enough to make me alert even at 2:00 am.
Movie is shot in a way that made me feel as if I was there. The behaviors of family members are quite surprising to watch, the friction between them is amazing. I think this is the most honestly made film I have ever seen on matters of family where members don't go "oh I love my family" hollywood crap in every 5th scene.
If you can digest a different cinema or a fan of it, Go for this movie! you wont be disappointed!

I remember it so well, I actually saw this movie when it was released in the movie theater and I was just blown away by the whole thing. Indeed, in my opinion, the first movie following the Dogme rules was just great. Basically, there were no special effects, no big stars just a simple and pure movie, at least, that’s my opinion. To be honest, when I first watched it, I was about 18 years old and it was the first time I actually felt nauseous after watching a movie. I know, it doesn’t sound really appealing but it wasn’t because it was bad , it was because it was so powerful and emotional. Like I said before, there was no chases, explosions, shooting and stuff like that, it was all about the characters and what they were going through and the whole thing was just spellbinding to watch. I watched it again, 14 years later, and I was once again amazed by how strong the whole thing was. Honestly, there was seriously not a single shot which I didn't find perfect. Yeah, it is that good. Basically, it is one of the saddest movies ever made but there were still some funny moments. Anyway, I think it is a great movie, one of the best movies ever made in my opinion, and it is definitely worth a look.

Hay que atravesar los momentos de un cine que no es lo habitual en los circuitos comerciales. Sin embargo, la película va atrapándote en las relaciones de una familia normalmente destruida (como todas, bah). Muy recomendable.