De Forbandede År 2 is a Danish film directed by Anders Refn, which explores the various aspects of the occupation of Denmark during World War II. The film is a follow-up to the previous installment, De Forbandede År, and picks up in 1943, focusing on the Skov family, a wealthy Danish family deeply divided and confused. The film follows the family as they navigate the various challenges and complexities of the occupation, including collaboration with the Germans, resistance movements, and the impact of the war on Danish society.
The film offers an interesting follow-up to the characters introduced in the previous installment, exploring how their internal emotions change and how the oppressors become oppressed. The film is a nice bookend to the series, with powerful scenes that are both beautiful and engaging. The film features excellent performances from the cast, particularly Jesper Christensen and Bodil Jørgensen as the Skov family, and Mads Reuther as the conflicted antihero Aksel.
The film also offers a nuanced portrayal of the various aspects of the occupation, including the role of the Danish police as German collaborators, the cynical logic of collaborationist policies, and the important role played by communist resistance fighters. The film is a powerful depiction of the war and its impact on Danish society, and a welcome addition to the growing wave of resistance films in Danish cinema.
