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10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Engaging human story!, August 14, 2007
This review is from: Kinamand / Chinaman [ NON-USA FORMAT, PAL, Reg.2 Import - Denmark ] (DVD)
I rented this film from Netflix (but cannot buy this in a Region 1 DVD!), and I loved this film! Keld is much more likable than the product description of "overweight uninspired Danish plumber" would suggest. His basic decency and very human desire to love makes him lovable, and his life situation makes him a sympathetic character. This is truly a love story. The way it shows the growing feelings between Keld and Ling is absolutely heartwarming. This is done in a quiet, genuine way, so the human emotions, difficulties, and successes are the interest factor here. Overall, a really good experience.
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6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Says a lot about the breadth of the Chinese diaspora, August 14, 2007
This review is from: Kinamand / Chinaman [ NON-USA FORMAT, PAL, Reg.2 Import - Denmark ] (DVD)
Well, we rented "Kinamand" recently from a famous DVD subscription-based rental operation (begins with 'N'), so there's definitely a Region 1 version of this film floating around out there, though obviously not in current release.
"Kinamand" ("Chinaman" in Danish) is a nice little film. Danish actor Bjarne Henriksen is the 'Chinaman' in question - its title taken from a dig thrown at his character, Keld, from a fellow patron at the local Chinese restaurant. Keld has taken to hanging out there for dinner each night after a split from his wife. Keld is literally working his way though the menu, number by number. The restaurant's proprietor, Feng, has a funny line about this: "Keld, we have a problem. You've reached Number 22. There are no more items on the menu. What are we going to do now?" They jointly agree to go back and start with #1.
Feng is portrayed by Lin Kun Wu, who IMDB tells me "worked as a bus driver when he was cast for the role of Feng." You'd never know the guy had never acted before getting this part. He's got an engaging, relaxed presence on the screen. He's a natural. He got a Best Supporting Actor nomination from Denmark's "Bodil Festen," an influential critics' event.
The movie - both its depiction of its Denmark-based Chinese community and in Lin Kun Wu's casting off the streets of Copenhagen - really says a lot about the breadth of the Chinese diaspora. Denmark has had a fair bit of political and legislative backlash against immigrants recently. The movie does a good job depicting those impacts as well.
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Something sweet in Denmark, March 14, 2010
This review is from: Kinamand / Chinaman [ NON-USA FORMAT, PAL, Reg.2 Import - Denmark ] (DVD)
Kinamand is a subtle romance that begins with a pro forma marriage, in other words, arranged to deceive the immigration department. Expect a slow-paced love story with subtle humor.
The Danish film (2005) Kinamand which means (Chinaman) begins with a 25 year marriage dissolving to the point where the wife leaves. Keld is a boring husband, quiet, reserved man, and also a plumber. When his wife decides to leave, the plumbing blusiness is neglected, he sold much of the furniture and he appears lonely and lost. He begins to eat at the local Chinese grill every evening, ordering the meals by the number. Slowly he gets to know Feng, the owner and his family.
When a plumbing problem occurs at the restaurant, Feng propositions Keld to work on the plumbing in exchange for meals. Then Feng has another proposition, for Keld to marry his sister for benefit of immigration. With the marriage, comes an attempt at communicating with one another, understanding the cultural differences to a very subtle romance.
The film does not rely on a lot of action, but more on images, facial expressions, body language. The subtitles are clear to read, and I like that they are white letters with a black background. You will hear nice Chinese music intermittently throughout the film as it defines the Chinese culture in other country, Denmark.
Bjarne Henriksen who plays the role of Keld is convincing in his role; he seems a very reserved man, who suddenly is thrust into the unknown. The character of his son plays the antagonist role very well. There is sadness and humor. This is my first film with director Henrik Ruben Genz, whose film Terribly Happy, (2009) a black comedy, thriller has garnered some attention; it seems a departure from Kinamand.
.....Rizzo
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