In a Better World is a brilliant narrative film, directed by Susanne Bier in 2010. The story is based on two families dealing with emotional hardships and crossing paths, leading to extraordinary friendships. The trained actor professionals consist of Anton (Mikael Persbrandt), Marianne (Trine Dyrholm), and Claus (Ulrich Thomsen). The two boys played by, Elias (Markus Rygaard), and Christian (William Johnk Juel Nielsen).
In my opinion, the title, In a Better World, is more appropriate as it shows the importance of moral and ethical principles based on rational decision making. The title, Revenge, portrays the opposite, about getting back at people as the best outlet to vent your frustrations, irrespective of the outcome or consequences. Anton, through his profession as a doctor, instills in his family, the goodness in forgiveness instead of revenge. Even when he is repeatedly slapped in the face by the mechanic, Anton shows strength by not retaliating. Christian on the other hand is emotional disturbed by his mother’s death and angry with his father, for not doing enough to save his mother. Elias is constantly bullied by his school mates, and never fights back. Christian is his only friend who stands up for him and against anyone who acts unjustly towards others. Elias, out of fear of losing Christian, follows him to blow up the mechanics car. The consequences are disastrous as the bomb explodes on Elias, almost taking his life.
The title of the film was changed from Revenge to In a Better World, to fit in with American idealistic views of family values and principles. To show children resorting to violence and revenge goes against popular American culture. In a Better World sends a strong message that justice comes automatically to people who bully and brutalize people for their own benefit. The war lord is a non professional actor taken for his menace and authentic appearance. He finally dies at the hands of the people whom he has tortured over the years.
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