The Celebration (1998) - full transcript

The Father turns 60. His family, which is a big one of the kind, gathers to celebrate him on a castle. Everybody likes and respects the father deeply...or do they? The youngest son is trying to live up to the father's expectations. He is running a grill-bar in a dirty part of Copenhagen. The oldest son runs a restaurant in France, while the sister is a anthropologist. The older sister has recently committed suicide and the father asks the oldest son to say a few words about her, because he is afraid he will break into tears if he does it himself. The oldest son agrees without argument. Actually he has already written two speeches. A yellow and a green one. By the table, he asks the father to pick a speech. The father chooses green. The oldest son announces that this is the Speech of Truth. Everybody laughs, except for the father who gets a nervous look on his face. For he knows that the oldest son is about to reveal the secret of why the oldest sister killed herself.

The Celebration

Christian speaking

Hi. I'm here now

I landed this morning

What?

Err... Washed?

I shaved at the airport,
if you must know

I shaved at the airport,
if you must know!

I'm fine

Right now I'm looking
at the fields

My father's land



It's beautiful

It makes me want to move back for
good, but there'd be a few problems

I'll make it

Yes, I suppose it
will be shocking

What?

You're dropping out

OK. 'Bye

Bloody hell, that's my brother

Why the hell didn't
you say something?

As if I saw him! Jesus!

I have to do everything myself

Shit, Christian!

Look at you, man!

See him, Kasper? He's walked
all the way from Paris



Only from the station

I could fuck you right here!

- Fucking hell!
- You're frisky

It's been bloody ages!
It really has

How's tricks?

I'll give you a lift

Hop out, kids!

- I'm giving Christian a lift
- There's plenty of room

- Sit in the front
- I can walk

No, I want to talk to you

- You really expect us to walk?
- What's the problem?

All that way!

He's my brother, for fuck's sake!
Give me a break, will you?

Asshole!

Chill out!

- Is Dad here already?
- Not yet

- Hello, what's your name?
- Lars

Lars... OK, Mads, listen up

I'm not very good with
new staff, get it?

Who do you think we are?

This is Christian...

My brother

He has two restaurants in Paris.
And I've got...

one cafe in the docklands.
Alright

We grew up here, so we know
how to treat customers

A really good receptionist

keeps an eye on
who's who, right?

And you give us rooms 9 and 19

I'm afraid you're
not on the list

What?

Look again: Michael Klingenfeldt

Your father has told me
that Michael is not invited

OK, Mads, listen up...

Lars, OK?

Right, Lars...

Things went a bit amok last year.
I got a bit pissed...

A couple of schnapps
over the top and I freak

I've brought the bloody
wife and kids...

Michelle is here too...

That's nothing to do with me

- ls there a room or not?
- Not!

- Let me talk to my father
- He's out hunting

Sort it out yourself, then.
That's your job, right?

Lars, just find a room.
I'll talk to Dad

Just give us one
of the small rooms

They're never used.
Number 3 and 1

Give us one of those

- You don't want a key?
- Of course

I must be on the list
ls our sister here?

Please get a move on

It's Daddy's birthday,
his sixtieth

The cars up ahead, that's my family.
I have to get there first

Nadim, wasn't it?

Nadim, yes

If you go a bit faster I'll
give you my phone number

Hi. Baby! Hi!

Are you ready?
They're nearly here

- You haven't been drinking, right?
- Not today

Wasn't it a fantastic funeral?

- I'm ready - What
are you doing here?

What?

You missed your sister's
funeral, you're not invited

Don't poke your
nose into what I do

I'm poking it into
what you don't do

You didn't come to her funeral!

You didn't phone on my birthday!

You couldn't give a damn

Now she's starting, too.
I'm going home!

- Want my bike?
- Come on, you two!

I won't have it

Be quiet. It's always
the same bickering

That's right, be quiet

Spoken just like Christian

Stop that!

- Stop it!
- Listen to clever Christian

Beep again. So they can hear it

That's his wife.
One of the son's

That's Mette, damn it

And the three little piggies

You kids put a sock in it.
We're here!

Behave yourselves!

You just don't do that!
I'm your sister

Good thing it's only
once every ten years

Welcome, Grandad...

Thank you, thank you

- Thanks for the lovely funeral
- Thank you

Great to see you again

- Hello again - The
trip was so hot

I'll go and unpack my wife

Hi, Dad

Your father asked me to be...
toastmaster this evening, OK?

Do you know Lise?

- How are you, my boy?
- It's so sad

- The weather, I can't take it
- Go have a beer

- You haven't changed
- Thanks

Go on into the hall.
You'll meet Helge

Hello, Uncle

Christian darling, how lovely
you could make it after all!

- You look great - Excuse
me, the guests are here

Go to your father. Don't
forget to say Happy Birthday

- Hello, Dad. Happy Birthday!
- Thank you

- They're all waiting
- Sit down a moment

I have something
important to tell you

Sit down

Sit down

- Join me in a Cognac?
- No, thanks

Yes, it's... very important

I've been thinking
about it for days

Listen

Two hookers are sitting
in a railway carriage

Don't laugh at your old dad!
On his birthday, too!

How dare you? I'll have
to tell your mother

We're waiting for you

The boy is laughing in my face

Christian, you mustn't do that

- Fine, let's all tell jokes
- Everyone's waiting

To hell with them! If I want
a chat with my eldest son

How are things?

Fine. I'm opening a
restaurant in Lyons and...

I can read the papers, my boy.
You're doing well

How about that girlfriend
who's always phoning?

Can't you give her a kid
and come back here?

She's having someone else's kid

Then find another girl
and move back here

I'm getting older and I
want my family around me

- Then there's your mother
- What about her?

She's getting tired of my jokes

- I can see why -
What do you mean?

What's wrong with my jokes?

There's no respect any more

Tell me how you are

- Got a girl? Oh, I've already asked
- Come on!

We're coming

Come along, my boy

Just one thing...

Christian...

Will you say a couple of words about
your sister this evening? I'd just blub

- I've already written something
- You have? Well done, my boy

- Michael is here
- Michael?

I suppose I'll have
to talk to him

Your guests are ready

- Michelle, are you married?
- No

- You're asking the wrong person
- I think so, too

Sorry, that was my other son...
I'll have a word with him

Today is Helge's birthday!

He'll get lots of presents. And
there'll be buns and cocoa...

Hi, Christian. Which
room are you in?

What? Seventeen. Why?

I need to borrow your bath. I mean:
May I borrow your bath, please?

And the sound of the sea...

I'll put them down here

- The main course is a secret
- A secret?

- You have been hunting today?
- Of course

Are you listening?

Good

It was the third time we were going
to move to Copenhagen, right?

But Bettina moved
in with him instead

- Bettina?
- Yes

Anyway, I'm still here, right?
We went to the park yesterday

I've been given the room
where my sister died

Well, it's better than
giving it to Christian

They were twins

It's one thing not wanting
to talk about it...

but covering it all
up is just silly

Look...

it's spooky

Yes, I can see that

Like a haunted home

I don't think she'd
like it either

If we take the covers off and
move the furniture a bit...

Then I'll stay with her

I don't mind at all

- Certainly
- OK

This is where it happened.
The bathroom

Maybe I should have another room

Yes, would you rather?

It's just that...

I'm getting really bad vibes

Did you hear that?

She's in the bathroom

No, she's... she's dead

We'll just have a look

No, I think we should go

No, we must look

Hey, Mette, I can't find them

Have you checked the suitcases?

I can't find my shoes

They should be in a suitcase

I've looked in that one

Keep your shirt on

I can't go to dinner in brown shoes.
Dad will go crazy!

They must be somewhere

I've looked everywhere

I think I left them behind

You didn't say that. Get it?

Go back and get them.
You've got two hours

Take the car

Stop this shit, Michael

I can't see my dad in socks

You expect me to go home now? What
would your mother and father say?

I can't go to dinner
in these shoes!

- Are you insane?
- You could just pack your own stuff!

I've packed for you,
me, and the kids

and you want everything
to be just so

If you don't like it,
pack your own shit!

I've got fucking news for you!

You're the one who
does the packing!

And every single time
you lose my shoes!

You're the one who wanted to
visit your fucking parents!

I worked for a while
at a cake shop

Actually, I'm doing
the dessert tonight

What does it mean? An upward arrow?
Up, up, up?

If you lie in the bath, maybe you
can see if there's something there

The bath? You want me
to lie in the bath?

Shall I lie down?

See if you can spot anything

A sign or another arrow

A wave or a fish or a bird.
Kind of like Getting Warmer

- It's just not good enough
- I'm sorry

I'd just ironed this

I said I was sorry

Shall we... shall we lie
down for five minutes?

What about the party?

We'll just lie down for
five minutes, right?

There's a fish! It means
flat, which means down

I'm not sure I
understand this game

Oh dear...

How strange!

We always played it.
Getting Warmer

Come on...

Sit down

Check next to the other leg

How sweet of her to have done this...
I can hardly bear it

I'm the only one
still stuck here

The rest of you go swanning
off to Paris and...

You can't sit here crying

I'm sorry

Have one of these

Just say if you want me to go

Didn't you want a bath?

An arrow again

And another arrow

Will you...

- Will I what?
- Undo me

Look, I've still got a good ass.
Is a bath all it's going to get?

Up there, look!

- On the other side
- Where?

Next to the bulb

"To whoever finds this letter.
You are probably..."

- Bloody hell!
- It doesn't say anything

Mette, damn it!

Did you leave this soap here?

This pisses me off!

- Michael - Why did you
leave the soap here?

You're the one who
used it, prick

Shit!

- Did you hurt yourself?
- I certainly fucking did!

There have always been
ghosts in this house

It doesn't say anything

I'll happily stay here.
Thanks for your help

You were really frightened?

Not at all

A bit?

I'm sorry. Thanks for your help

Why the hell did you
leave the soap there?

I didn't, you did

- I didn't - You're the
one who used it last

- Where are my pants?
- I don't know. Over there!

You should take
care of your things

- I'm not your babysitter
- Shut up! Jesus!

Oh, for God's sake!

The fucking thing's fallen down now.
Shit!

- You'd better put it up again
- Bollocks!

It's weird. You were always the
wild one, getting into fights

Now it's your brother

You can't even be bothered to
look at a pretty girl any more

Maybe you think I'm too skinny

Christian?

I'll put it in here.
They mustn't find it...

Done

Where have you gone,
lovely Christian?

It's six o'clock.
Time to get up!

Cards, please! Tickets, please!
Or other proof of travel...

My trousers!

- Hi, Grandpa!
- Hi, Dad

I'll see you in the
lounge in five minutes!

These fucking shoes...

Hi, Bent!

Be cool

Hi, Poul, how's tricks,
you old bastard?

Hi, Dad

Later, my boy...
we're going in now

It's about...

I've been asked to inquire whether
you are interested in the Lodge

I don't see you as one of
the brethren, I must say

But Christian has told
Preben you're doing well

And as Christian
is not interested

you may expect to be invited
to join the Freemasons

Strike while the iron is hot.
This may be your only...

He could make something
of himself...

We have to help you get on

But try to behave like a normal
human being tonight, alright?

Keep your hands off what's-her-name...
Michelle?

I'd like you to hover about,

keep things running smoothly

Can you manage that?

You, you're supposed to serve drinks.
Get a move on, will you?

Go on, move!

Have you got a drink?

We need to talk

I can't right now

You do remember
something, don't you?

- Yes, certainly
- Jolly good

I was thinking of saying a
word or two this evening

I thought as much

It won't be anything
fit for little girls

I bet it won't

You fell asleep

Aren't you sleeping properly?

Only with you

It's a great honour for me to
act as toastmaster this evening

for the Klingenfeldt-Hansen
family

My name is Helmuth Von Sachs

Yes, I am from Deutschland
Cologne, the Ruhr, the steelworks

And also Helge is a man of steel.
Still going strong

Helge, mein Freund,
mein danishes Vater,

over to you

Seeing you all reminds me so
clearly of the years gone by...

and of all that's happened to us

There's nothing special
about turning sixty

It's not a big deal

It seems like yesterday when we
concluded the final negotiations

for the take-over of
this unique place

Yet it was way back

in the summer of 1971

when my young family
walked up these steps

My dear wife,

Helene,

Michael,

and the twins...

The twins...

Ready to move into
this beautiful estate

We were so...

We were so full of expectations

I'll stop there

I'll stop there and hope that we
will have a lovely party together

Let's eat!

First course. Ready...

Go!

Over and out

- Did you enjoy the drive?
- No, it was very hot in the car

You've got air
conditioning, Bent

Yes, but it dries your mouth up

- It really is most unpleasant
- Really?

The kids are here too

Give me some water!

May I have some water, please?

I'm all wet...

- What's your name, lass?
- My name is Mette

- M. E. T. T. E. Mette -
That's right, yes, Mette

I said it's lobster soup...
lovely!

No, it's salmon soup

Salmon?

I think it tends
more towards lobster

- It's delicious, this soup
- Yes. Tomato soup

No, definitely not tomato.
It's lobster soup

- Yes - Yes, lobster soup...
cheers!

"Eldest son's speech"...
Ready, Morten?

It's nearly seven o'clock and

I should like to propose the first toast,
it being my duty as the eldest son

- Correct, Helmuth?
- Absolutely

But first, a speech

I've written two, Father

One is green, the other is yellow.
You choose

- Green? Yellow?
- I'll take the green

The green is an interesting choice,
it's a kind of home truth speech

I've called it "When
Dad had his bath"

I was very young
when we moved here

Things changed completely for us

We had all the space we wanted

and we filled it with as much
trouble as we could cause

This room was a restaurant then

I can't count the times my
sister Linda, who is now dead

and I played in here

She would put things in people's
food without their noticing

We would hide and watch. Then
she would begin to laugh

She had the most infectious
laugh you can imagine

In no time at all we'd both be howling
with laughter and we'd get caught

But nothing ever happened to us

It was much more dangerous

when Dad had his bath

I don't know if you remember,
but Dad was always having baths

He'd take Linda and
me into the study...

as there was something
he had to do first

Then he'd lock the door
and roll down the blinds

Then he'd take his shirt off and his
trousers and make us do likewise

He'd lie us across the green couch
that's been thrown out now...

and abuse us sexually. He raped us.
Had sex with his little ones

Christian!

A couple of months ago,
when my sister died

I realised that Helge was a very
clean man, with all those baths

I thought I'd share it with
the rest of the family

Baths. Summer, winter, spring,
autumn, morning, evening...

Really, Helge's a very clean man

I just wanted you to know that seeing
as we're celebrating his sixtieth

What a guy!

Imagine living a long life and
watching your children grow up!

And grandchildren!

But you didn't come
to listen to me

We've come to celebrate Helge's
sixtieth, so let's do so

Thank you for all
those wonderful years

Happy Birthday!

I have nothing to drink.
Fill our glasses!

Christian, you were the first

but now it's my tum

Elsie, it is your birthday

It's Helge's!

What did he say?

He said it's Helge's
birthday, Grandad

Helge, it's your birthday,
and that's good

You're a big boy now. Your
ears can take a story

from across the seven seas

Nice one, Grandad!

I have to go

When Helge was a young lad

he told me he had trouble
finding ladyfriends

- Hello, Christian
- Kim...

I've got a plane to catch

Stop, everybody!

May I introduce my
boyhood buddy, Christian

You know most of them

Christian, how are you?

- I'm fine
- You're fine?

Well done, Christian

You've made your speech
and now you're going home

The battle's lost.
Nothing's changed

Over

Are you drunk?

How else could I cook?

- How long have we known each other?
- A long time

Since Year One?

We scrumped apples together

I've been waiting for this ever
since, and you just run away

From your father, who drew
lots for you and your sister

A brilliant start to your speech.
Drawing lots like your father

What do you want, Kim?

Sorry to interrupt, Grandad

I just want to say that I hope none
of you took Christian seriously

He is my brother and
I love him dearly

But what he said wasn't true.
And I should know, right?

Sorry for interrupting.
I'm a little shocked

At 7.15 your father'll come down to
give me a time for the main course

"I think they like the
food", he'll say, as usual

And he'll have his usual glass

Just give me two minutes

I thought you'd gone

Come here!

Bring a schnapps
for me and my son

- That was splendid
- Thank you

I think they like the food

Have some schnapps

- No, thanks
- Really?

That tastes good. Damned good!

I do believe it's damned good

Have one yourself

Come with me

Alone

Off we go!

Well, how are you?

I'm fine

Are you?

Are you sure?

Well, I don't understand this

My memory must be failing me.
Age, probably

What do you mean?

What you talked about

I don't recall any of it.
You'll have to help me

What happened exactly?

Sorry it's probably
me who got it wrong

Don't apologise or you'll
really have me worried

I'm just a bit stressed out
at the moment with work...

and my sister

Forget it

What you were telling us is a crime.
I think we should call the police

No, don't do that

Just forget it

I'm not sleeping well. I'm
feeling a bit weird. Sorry

Are things going well upstairs?

Yes, fine, fine

It takes more than
that to shake them

Have a good trip home.
It was nice seeing you

They're waiting for me

- Helge, it's your birthday
- Grandad, not again!

You're a big boy now

Your ears can take a story
from across the seven seas

When Helge was a young lad

he told me he had trouble
finding ladyfriends

I told him, "Listen, lad!"

"Just buy a big potato and stuff
it down your swimming trunks

Go down to the lake and
they'll come running!"

Anyway, summer came...

- What do you think?
- Me?

I don't know what he's planning

He came back in despair and told
me things were far worse now

Nobody would talk to him

"No wonder", I said. "You
should have put the potato

down the front of your trunks"

For he's a jolly good fellow!

Michelle!

Pia!

A word

Michelle come here, Pia come here.
A word

We'll steal their car keys. Over

- What?
- Us?

It's Christian's turn tonight.
People mustn't go home yet. Over

I don't think he intends to say any more.
He apologised

Let's wait and see. Don't
tell the old waiters

They need their pensions

Off you go. Now!

We mustn't leave any traces

No, no, we'll be careful

I've got it!

Next room

ls everything OK?

There aren't any problems?

No, no. Everything is OK

ls my brother staying the night?

I don't really know

A taxi?

I'll check it out

Hey, Charlie Brown! You've
come to the wrong place

Can I go?

Just a moment

Listen, Sambo. I don't know
where you met my sister...

- Michael, what are you doing?
- What the hell do you mean?

What the hell are you doing?

Mind your fucking manners!

How dare you drag some
monkey to Dad's party?

- Are you calling Gbatokai a monkey? How dare you?
- Chill out

You Nazi bastard!

OK. Push off!

Mum, hang on. This is
my boyfriend, Gbatokai

Mum, you haven't met him before.
That was someone else

Forgive me for disturbing you again.
But I forgot the most important bit

We're here for my father's
birthday, not anything else

If I led you up the wrong track
earlier, I'd like to make amends

by proposing a
toast to my father

- Please stand -
Well done, Christian

Raise your glasses!

Here's to the man who killed my sister.
To a murderer

I'd like to propose an interval

Cigarettes! Quick!

Play something

Nice and quiet

Play something

No, let's stay a while.
We can't just leave

Christian, are you crazy?

Christian, can you hear me?

Are you crazy, Christian?

Make sure nobody goes home

He's sick... sick, damn it!

For the last time!
I have phoned...

- Get me a taxi
- Just a moment

I can't take it. I already
suffer from depression

We can't leave! There
are no taxis here

- Fine, then I'll walk
- Alright, let's walk!

"Here comes the Danish summer".
I've had it with these gatherings

- Bent, have you seen the car keys?
- No, I haven't

We're leaving but I
can't find our car keys

- Problems?
- I can't take it

The number you're calling
is still engaged

- There is an eleven month wait
- May I speak to Kim?

Lars, just take it easy, OK?

Hide those car keys!

In the oven

In the fridge

All gone!

Where the hell is Michelle?

Come in, damn it

Michael, I want a
word with you, too

You must leave

No. We're going to talk now

- Mette, you must hear that too
- We're going to talk, come on!

In here. Come on

- Let go of me -
Calm down, alright?

- OK, what do you want?
- Last year...

You came on to me and now you won't
even give me the time of day

I'm sorry, right? Damn it...

I've got my wife here

It's funny, she's never
been that important before

You know I got pregnant?

Don't worry, I got rid of it. I
just thought you should know

Listen, it's my old man's 60th
and things are going crazy

Hi, Bent. Bloody hell.
Is this your room?

I was just leaving.
Seen my car keys?

I'll have a quick look, OK?

Sure you haven't seen them?

I'll get really depressed
if I don't find them

I know, I know. Bent,
run along downstairs

Pack up your stuff
and get out, right?

Here's your wages. Now
just fuck off, understand?

You're as fucked up as your Dad

Don't ever talk about my family!

What if I got up and said a
couple of words instead?

About you?

About how sick you
were as a child?

About the way you always spoiled
things for the other children?

Making them watch as
you burnt their toys

The warped character
you've always been?

About how we had to go to France

to rescue you from that
sanatorium where you lay

sick in the head, as ever,
pumped full of drugs

to your mother's despair

I could also mention your
lack of talent with women

Lovely women

you let go by, year after year

because there is so little man in you.
Christian

I could also make a speech
about you and your sister

What do you say to that?

Did she ever say goodbye to you?

No. Was there a card? A letter?
No. Nothing

There was for the rest of us

And maybe there was a reason why

Because you just left

as usual

Abandoned your sick sister

She kept asking for you

Rushing to the phone every time it rang.
But it was never you

As ever, you were only interested
in yourself and your sick mind

Now you sling mud at the family that
only ever wanted the best for you

Your mother wants you to
go and never come back

But I think you should
stay right here

Feel what it means to spit
in your family's face

After...

After that little
intermezzo pianissimo

I think we should return
to the dinner table

lch Haber Hunger Ladies
and gentlemen...

They're back! Christian
isn't very happy

Right! Venison and
cranberry, go!

Cheers, Grandad!

It was a superduper speech

You keep yelling into my ear

Grandad, cheers again

Salt and pepper! Cheers!

Champagne! We must have Champagne!
And caviar!

If the birthday boy
is my danishes Vater,

Elsie is my danishes Mutter

Everyone's Mother!

Elsie, over to you

Give her a hand!

Thank you, Helmuth.
Thank you all

I want to say how
much I appreciate

your coming today

I also want to say a word or two

to thank my husband, my Helge

Though it may be hard
to find the words

to describe what you have meant

and still mean to me

But with your appetite for life

and infinite love
for your family,

you have given me everything
a wife could wish for

We've had thirty wonderful years.
Thank you!

I think I'll take the opportunity
to say a word or two to my children

I think it is fantastic to
see how well you have done,

especially when I consider
how little you once were

Michael,

You are our youngest,
our little baby

Not that we've seen
that much of you

You were away from
home from an early age

First, boarding school

Then away at sea

Then catering college
in Switzerland

You never became a chef

but who knows?

At any rate you have given us
three splendid grandchildren

for whom your father
and I are so grateful

And of course we thank
your little Mette

Helene, the family loner

You really are, Helene

Ever since you informed us that
you'd decided to become a singer

and had joined the Trotsk... the
Young Socialists, I think it was...

We always knew you would
choose your own path

And you certainly have

In life as well as your studies

You've ended up in anthropology

Most interesting. Though your father
and I always hoped you'd chose Law

But goodness, I can't begin to count
the number of foreign countries

and their unfortunate inhabitants
with whom you've had contacts

Speaking of which,

I'd like to extend a
warm welcome to Gonzales

Mummy, his name is Gbatokai

Welcome, Kai!

Then there is you, Christian

You have always
been quite special

A creative child

The stories Christian could
tell when he was small!

I always thought you'd make a
really good author one day

When Christian was small, for
all of you who don't know,

he had a loyal
companion called Snoot

who didn't exist

But Snoot and Christian
were inseparable

If Snoot didn't like something,
neither did Christian

If you were the one
at the receiving end,

there was nothing you
could do about it

But dear Christian...

It is so important to be able to
distinguish fact from fiction

I think you've always
had trouble doing so

Of course you can be
angry with your father

I am sometimes, too

But it has to be
sorted out in private

Telling stories like those
you've told this evening

however exciting they may be...
and they were exciting...

is going a bit too far

Christian, I think that Snoot
has been with you today

and I think you both
rather upset your father

So I think it would be
appropriate if you stood up,

leaving Snoot in his seat,

and gave your father an apology

It won't belittle you in any
way to say you're sorry

It would be quite alright

Christian, you may stand up now

Come on, Christian. Get
your fucking act together!

- He's sick in the head, Mum
- Christian?

I'm sorry to disturb you again

In 1974 you, my mother,
came into the study

to see your son on all fours and
your husband with no pants on

I'm sorry you saw me like that

Yet you left the room when
your husband ordered you out

I'm sorry you're so hypocritical
and corrupt that I hope you die

I'm sorry that you're
all such cunts

that you believe her

I'm sorry that for thirty
years, Your husband

Let me finish!

I haven't finished!

Christian, cool it.
Come on. Out!

- I want my coat - You
can have your coat

You were away at boarding school.
What the fuck do you know?

But you know anyway!

- You're way out of line!
- You know anyway!

- Don't you?
- You've gone too far!

Out of my way!

Lock the door!

Is it locked?

I think so

In the deep, deep forest peace

Where songsters dwell

Where my soul did
hearken many a time

To the birds' happy song

Where was I?

Mother, my loyal witness! In
1974 you entered the study...

- and saw my father's stiff dick
rubbing my hair - You bastard!

You bastard!

He is not well

It's very sad...

Mother, please continue

There is such an idyll, such peace
and calm in the sylvan solitude

That all sorrows are stilled

Where peace and rest do reign

Get out of here, you bastard!

Fuck off!

Leif, stop that, damn it!
He's my brother

Christian, come here!

The game's over, get it?

Have you had enough, man?

Not that! He's my brother

- Come on, get rid of him
- Where?

- In the woods - We've
got to stop this shit!

- How far?
- Just get rid of him

- What do you mean, "get rid of him"?
- Shut up! Over here

We'll leave him by that tree

That's the way. Come on

Do we really have to tie
you to a tree, Christian?

What the hell made
you talk such shit?

- Is he tied up?
- I'm through now

Calm down now

Easy does it

Take it easy, Christian

Leif, have you got a cigarette?
I dropped mine

I'll check all the doors

I don't want to talk to him

What have you done to him?

Relax

I talked to him. He's gone home.
He's very sorry

So let's take it easy.
We'll talk about it later

You want trouble?

Stop it, Michael!
Michael, stop it!

That's enough! Back off!

- Hi there, Kim
- Hi, Leif

We need to lock the back door

- Where is it?
- Right over here

- A bad business
- Yes

You didn't kill
him, or anything?

He won't be back

- This way?
- In here

- This is the wine cellar.
- Yes. Over

Cut it out, Kim

What the hell is this?

- You locked him in?
- Yes

We can't have his
type running around

Hands off!

- Kim, where's Christian?
- No idea

Stop drinking, Michael

What did you say?

Why don't you make a speech?

Right, let's get things swinging!
A little sing-song

I saw a real Black Sambo

His face was black as pitch

He spoke all funny

And had a ring in his nose

I asked him: "What are you?"

"Why are your legs
covered in tar?"

He just laughed and said:
Tomrassi gassi bom!

I saw a little Indian

His face was as red as fire.
He spoke all funny

I can't stand this!
They'll kill each other!

I'm going crazy!

I've got such a headache

Will you get my tablets?

- Have you seen Christian?
- No, he's gone home

It's for the best

I'll get your tablets

You're all crazy

- You're still capable...
- Oh yes

For longer than you think, Helge

It's nearly 10 o'clock

and something exciting
is about to happen

As Alfred Hitchcock suggested
for his gravestone:

"This is what happens
to naughty little boys"

Helge, you're not getting
out of the family tradition

The grand finale!

It's Daddy's birthday!
It really is today

Daddy's birthday today!

Now listen to the way
we blow the trumpet!

It's Daddy's birthday today!

Listen to the way
we play the flute!

You dropped something! You
should be more careful

Helene... you're not going already?
So soon?

- I want to go home now
- Don't be silly

It's time for dessert

I love these family traditions

After the dance around
the house a note appears

on the toastmaster's glass

and here is what it says:

"A certain man urges his sister to
read letter to his father" A letter

I think Helene is too shy.
Right, Helene?

In any case...

it is kind of your brother
to help you get started

And it seems that there is
peace in the family again

So let's give Helene a hand

- Come on
- Come on, Helene

Don't be shy!

Michael, ignore him!

It's...

It's from my sister

"To whoever finds
this letter..."

"ou are probably my sister
or one of my brothers"

"Because you can
play Getting Warmer"

"Nudge, nudge!"

"I know you will
be sad to find me"

"in a bath full of water"

"But it isn't so sad for me"

"I know my brothers and sister"

"are happy, radiant people,"

"and that I love you"

"And I think you
should just forget me"

"Christian, my beloved!"

"Who has always been with me!
Thank you for everything"

"I don't want to mix you up in this.
I love you too much for that"

"And you, Helene. And
you, Michael, of course"

"You nutter"

"Dad has begun having me again"

"In my dreams, anyway. And
I can't bear any more"

"I'm going away now"

"As I probably always
should have done"

"I know it will fill your life
with darkness, Christian"

"I have tried to ring you,"

"but I know you're busy"

"I just want to tell
you not to be sad"

"I think there is light and
beauty on the other side"

"In fact, I'm looking forward to it.
Although, of course, I am a bit afraid"

"Afraid of leaving without you"

"I will love you forever"

"Linda"

Lovely letter

Pour my daughter some port, so
that I can drink a toast with her

Pour my daughter some port, so
that I can drink a toast with her!

Pass the port to my daughter so
I can drink a toast with her

Pass her the bloody port!

Pass the damned port
to my daughter!

Show me some respect!

I've never seen the like

What are you staring at?

Is it my fault that I have
such talentless offspring?

I've just never really
understood why you did it

It was all you were good for

It's been quite a job
being toastmaster tonight

I must admit I hadn't
tried it before

I am profoundly affected
by the situation

We all are

- Nevertheless, I regard it as...
- I have to go now

as my responsibility
to see this dinner out

So I suggest dancing, music
and coffee next door

Good evening

I have collected the car
keys and put them back

May I have a glass of water?

Shall I call a doctor?

Christian?

Are you alright? Come on

Christian?

Christian?

Pia?

Pia?

I fell asleep

Pia, my sister is here

I love you

Christian?

I miss you

I miss you, too

Shall I come with you?

I'm going now

- It's Helene. Were you asleep?
- What time is it?

Late. Three, I think.
I was asleep, too...

if you can call it sleep

You know...

I've been...

Maybe you have, too?

- Have what?
- Nothing

Please come, Christian.
Michael has disappeared

What's going on?
What's he up to?

Michael has vanished and his wife
is bawling her eyes out in my room

The party?

It's over

Don't worry about it

They've all gone to bed...

- Find some glasses
- Where is Michelle?

In Kim's room, I think

Everyone seems to
be in the wrong bed

We're not, are we, Honey?

- I've got a glass for Christian
- I want one, too

Just don't use
someone's dirty glass

Play the wedding march

Gbatokai and Helene must dance

Because I think you
should get married

Dad?

It's Michael, little Michael.
I'm coming!

Open the door!

It's the fucking postman

Open the door, damn you!

Open it!

Go inside, Elsie

Michael, stop it!

Go inside, I said!

And I said keep your mouth shut!

I told you, man. Keep
your mouth shut!

Lie down, man. Lie down!

I said, lie down!

And stay lying down

I've heard enough shit.
Lie down, I said!

You'll never see your
grandchildren again, man

Never again. Get it, Dad?

This family...

is kaput

Lie down, I said!

Lie down, I said!

It's me ringing the doorbell

Me, Michael

They mustn't do it!

Stop!

Mummy, what is it?

- They mustn't!
- What's going on, Mummy?

They mustn't! They mustn't!

Get out there, Gbatokai

Your father!

You're killing me

Killing me

Waiter, could I
have another drink?

I do like to start the
day with a little dram

Morten, what are you thinking?

Oh, well. Over

Cheerful little soul, isn't she?

Morning, Christian

- Good morning
- Have a roll

Where the hell is Leif?

There you are! How's the wig?

Where do you get
your suits creased?

At N'stved

Pia?

Do you want to come to
Paris and live with me?

Yes

That'll be all

Have you got the hots
for the waitress?

- Michael, shut up and eat up
- I'll eat that French stick

Dorthe, come to Daddy

Your father will read
it to you, I'm sure

I know it's an inopportune moment.
You're having breakfast

I'll try and be brief

I just want to say...

I know that when you
pack up and go home...

it will be the last
time I see you

I also realise now

that what I did to my children

is unforgivable

I know that all of you

especially my children

will hate me for the
rest of your lives

All the same, I wanted to tell you
that you will always be my children

I have always loved you
and I love you now

wherever you are
or whatever you do

To you, Christian, I want to say

You fought a good fight, my boy

Thank you

Nice one, Dad

Good speech. Well done

But I think you'll have to go
now so we can eat our breakfast

Of course, of course

Are you coming?

I'll stay here