TBJCSKCNRRQTreviews Review of Olsen-banden ser rødt

Olsen-banden ser rødt (1976)

Excellence continues in one of the most memorable entries

[8/10 · 16 August 2006]

This is quite probably the most mentioned and possibly even watched of the movies concerning The Olsen Gang. The reason is one scene that defines the genius that is the writing and directing that is Bahs and Balling and the Olsen-Banden movies: The scene at the Danish Royal theater, featuring both the Overture of Elverhøj and one of this country's two National Anthems. Just about everyone reading this probably already knows exactly what the scene details... and anyone who doesn't should not simply read about it. It's one of the most unforgettable scenes in movie history, as far as comedy goes. For my money, anyone who considers them-self to possess a sense of humor should watch this scene at least once, and it doesn't hurt to see it more than that. I've watched this film so much that the VHS tape is worn... and I'm still enjoying the scene immensely and noticing amazing details about it. The plot is well-written and interesting. Including nobility was a marvelous idea, and they have a lot of fun with the class. The pacing is right on... I was never bored for a second. The adding of Fie, Børge's girlfriend is great, and Lene Brøndum did a lot with an amount of lines that could practically be counted on a hand. Her facial and body language do most of her acting, and it works great. Ernst Meyer provides a delightfully Franco-phile chef. Bent Mejding gives an incredible performance in the small role of the conductor. And Asbjørn Andersen deserves a mention... his last role, a cameo, and then one so fitting. It could be argued that he portrays himself. The humor is very sophisticated and retains the human touch that makes these films stand head and shoulders above the typical Danish comedy of this period(whilst, admittedly, many of them are hilarious). There is a very small amount of cartoony humor in this one, but it's such a brief occurrence, it makes little difference one way or the other. The police are made fun of again, and this time, the granting of medals and such are added to the parody pile. There appears to be a common theme between this and the former... that of workers having outlived the time they grew up in and preferred to live in. "The good old days" are no more, so to speak. A bit in this that begs mention is when Poul Bundgaard and Ove Verner Hansen, who were both opera singers, both emit some rather deep vocal sounds. There's an added touch of irony when Bundgaard, being asked what it was he just did, replies "I don't know!" whilst grinning nervously. A thoroughly well-written and highly entertaining film in a great series. I recommend this to any fan of the series and/or of Danish comedy in general. I'd suggest you make sure to have watched as many of the previous films as you can first, for important background and character knowledge. 8/10