Your blood may run cold, but you now find yourself pinioned to the story.

A lot of perfectly good film show their cards early, establish a unique premise and let the audience explore a topic at a leisurely pace, without much in terms of surprise. this film is not one of those films.

It is interesting even when nothing much happens, which is for most of its 3-hour running time. Read full review

A clunky actioner with a handful of cool moments.

Small distant communities have always local secrets not to be revealed to outsiders, but sometimes small hidden minor matters develop into big illegal acts... Such things we can follow in Frygtelig lykkelig where an "exiled" policeman wades into a family affair in a township in South- Jutland. He is not easily accepted by locals - although he constantly tries - and the price of acceptance comes to be high. The ending scenes are somewhat logical, although they are hard to consider likely in the Danish society where crime ties are not routine. However, tensions and run of events are skilfully depicted by wonderful directing and camera-work.As for the cast, then Jakob Cedergren is a decent actor, but he is still neither e.g. Mads Mikkelsen or Ulrich Thomsen... And in scenes together with Kim Bodnia or Lars Brygmann, Cedergren's presence is less perceived. The leading female, Lene Maria Christensen was also just above average. Nevetheless, the film in question is a nicely twisted crime film, a good example of Danish filmography.

How would you like to watch a Danish film noir/classic western with some elements of a good twilight zone episode tossed in for good measure? Intrigued yet? Well you should be, director Genz's film Terribly Happy is such a fun watch, it will almost make you forget your reading subtitles. While part of the wave of Scandinavian imports to resonate with American Audiences recently, like the films Troll Hunter, Let the Right One In and the Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, Terribly Happy is its own unique beast.Robert (Jakob Cedergren) is a police officer from Denmark, that has been reassigned to a small Danish hamlet. Robert is sent to serve a penance after making some mistakes in Copenhagen. South Jutland where Robert finds himself is a spartan land, filled with bogs, mud, cows and rubber boots. The local townspeople welcome Robert with less than open arms. It appears South Jutland is a town where people take care of their own, it's a rural one bar, one shop, one doctor place where everyone knows everyone elses business yet keeps to themselves.The first friendly face Robert sees is that of Ingerlise (Lene Maria Christensen), the wife of the local bully Jorgen (Kim Bodnia). Ingerlise confides in Robert that she is being abused, but she is reluctant to do anything about her situation. The townspeople are well aware what is going on in town, but have their own views of both Ingerlise and Jorgen. Will Robert compromise his own moral compass to fit in with the town provincial societal norms?Director Genz creates a dark intimidating atmosphere that permeates every inch of the screen. The characters are multidimensional leaving you to question and reassess their motivations and actions as the film progresses. The blending of several classic genres, western, noir and dark comedy, is achieved in no small part to the wonderful dialogue, and cinematography in the film. The characters seem real, albeit exceedingly creepy and your sense of right and wrong will be put to the test.There has been a lot of talk of remaking this film in the United States. Director Genz has signed on for the project, however details about the project seems to have dried up since early in 2010. It's interesting to note that Terribly Happy is supposedly based on a true story. Novel writer, and eccentric Erling Jepsen claims the story is based on a distant aunt and uncle. If you get a chance check out the bonus features, to watch an amazing interview with Genz and Jespen, where Jespen slaps Genz several times causing him to walk out of the interview.Fans of the Coen Brothers films, David Lynch, and modern film noir in general will find a lot to enjoy about Terribly Happy. The film is a dark and memorable addition to the fine films that have been coming from Scandinavia in recent years. Upon viewing its easy to see why the film was nominated for, and claimed so many international film festival awards. Head on down to South Jutland and give Terribly Happy a watch just don't forget to bring your rubber boots and a loaded pistol.Like what you see here? Then check out our full site at 3guys1movie.com

This film gets a 10 for uniqueness and the ending.A cop who had a nervous breakdown is posted to a small town (in Denmark) a small town where everyone knows everyone else's business and they have their own justice system--that extends further than you would imagine.A wife beater and his wife are dealt with effectively.A film noir with a satisfying end although I hate to think what happened with the bicycle shop owner.Good entertainment for adults...Recommend it highly.

I just rented the DVD the other night and was really excited. I had been looking forward to this film for a long time because of all the good reviews it had received..I was deeply disappointed. You can tell the main plot instantly, the characters are stale and not lovable at all. There isn't really any great attempts on humor in the film and the pace is very very slow.There are so many other movies about small local communities in all genres (Needful Things, Sleepy Hollow, Italiensk for Begyndere (DK), Hot Fuzz, the TV-show League of Gentlemen etc.) and Frygtelig Lykkelig is just not up to par.I'm sorry to say I can't recommend this movie.Try these Danish movies instead. They are guaranteed to make you laugh:Blinkende Lygter, En Kort En Lang, Grev Aksel, De Grønne Slagtere, I Kina Spiser De HundeIf you do watch this movie however, it will leave you with many unanswered questions and a feeling of unfulfillment and disappointment.