In Your Hands (Forbrydelser) (15)

Dir: Annette K Olesen, 2003, Denmark, 101 mins, Danish with Subtitles
Cast: Ann Eleonora Jørgensen, Trine Dyrholm, Sarah Boberg, Nicolaj Kopernikus, Sonja Richter, Jens Albinus and Lars Ranthe

As a reaction to the 'cosmetic' technological revolution in filmmaking since the 1960's, Danish directors Thomas Vinterberg and Lars Von Trier created a new movement, Dogme 95, with their controversial films Festen and The Idiots. Ten years on, many filmmakers have followed suit, often finding the strict vows of chastity difficult to adhere to, and instead using the movement more as a PR stunt. Returning to the austere principles of the manifesto, Danish film In Your Hands epitomises the essence of 'naked film' by shedding glossy filmmaking techniques in order to focus on the storyline and acting performances.

Newly ordained priest Anna (Jørgensen) arrives at a women's prison attempting to salvage the inmates' tainted souls. However, the jail's status quo is disrupted with the arrival of ominous inmate Kate (Dyrholm). Struggling with infertility, Anna is intrigued when Kate can 'see' she is pregnant. Joy turns to despair as Anna and her boyfriend (Ranthe) discover that their unborn baby might have a severe birth defect and their relationship becomes strained as they agonise over whether or not to terminate the pregnancy. Meanwhile, Kate's supernatural healing powers are sabotaging fellow inmate Jossi's (Boberg) in-house drug business, and when a power struggle ensues, Jossi blows the whistle on Kate's budding, illicit relationship with prison guard Henrik (Kopernikus). Soon Kate's secret past history is revealed, with dire consequences for all.

Out of all the Dogme films, the subject matter of In Your Hands is probably the most suited to this restrictive filmmaking approach. Reminiscent of the works of Ingmar Bergman, the narrative explores notions of guilt, jealousy, faith, superstition, loyalty, abortion and redemption. The plot is morose, and even with humorous moments highlighting the gloom, it's a stark contrast to Director Annette K Olesen's previous film, the comedy Minor Mishaps. However, once you adjust to the dizzying hand-held camera movements and frantic jump cuts, you find yourself submerged in the tragic plights of these flawed characters.

Trine Dyrholm, whose career blossomed after her role in Festen, plays Kate with sensitivity. Ann Eleonora Jørgensen, known from the Dogme film Italian For Beginners, gives a heartfelt portrayal of Anna's inner turmoil, as she is torn between religious ideals and human emotions. By handling the subject matter with compassion and extracting raw emotion from the talented cast, director Olesen creates empathy for the characters without judging them. Highly recommended.

Cindy Hanson