Today, I watched the Danish film titled "Mifune" from 1999. It is a film that is very realistic and down to earth. It utilizes the constraints of the Dogme 95 manifesto, and while doing so, it does not, in my opinion, stray away from these.  The story within the movie definitely centers around the topic of love, whether it be in the context of a marriage or during a one night stand. The film has scenes that compares these two kinds of love. For example, the viewer can take notice of how Kresten, the husband and main male character in the movie, marries Claire, who is his boss's daughter. All is well until she finds out that Kresten was hiding secrets from her- that he has family alive and his origins. He tells her about the family he has and where his parent's home is located. This information was disclosed to her the day after their marriage. The topic of family came about when Kresten received news of his father passing and was needed at home to tend to the funeral arrangement and his mentally ill brother. At first, Claire accepts the fact that her newly wed Kresten has to leave; however, when he has been gone for more than the two days he promised her he would be gone, she pays Kresten a surprise visit. Claire is appalled and horrified by the looks of the farm and the house from which her husband grew up in. She quickly decides, based on her observations, that she will not be associated with a "redneck" and demands a divorce. To Claire, her riches, fame and title are more important than the love Kresten has for her.

Kresten and Liva

Kresten Pretending to be "Mifune" 

Kresten, of course, is deeply saddened by her reaction and abrupt decision to end their marriage. Regardless, he moves on and not too long after Claire's separation does he find someone else to love. The next woman comes along by responding to the ad that Kresten places in the local paper asking for a housekeeper. Liva, who is a prostitute but desires to escape the torments it brings, shows up to Kresten's farmhouse. She cooks, cleans, paints and straightens up his neglected home. She also looks after Rud who is Kresten's brother. Despite the adversaries they face, Liva and Kresten happily dance and kiss one another in the living room, which is the closing scene.
 Even though this film is rated R, I looked over the sex scenes and vulgar language in order to enjoy the film. One important message the movie portrays throughout is the fact that true love cannot be bought or packaged in a certain way and it will not last if . True love is as real as humans are. It has its ups and downs, but in the end, it will never be shaken nor broken. Both Liva and Kresten grew to love one another because of who they are not what they have done or where they live.

-Heather :)