Interesteg
What makes it different from others?
StunnaKrypto
Self-important, over-dramatic, uninspired.
Dynamixor
The performances transcend the film's tropes, grounding it in characters that feel more complete than this subgenre often produces.
Myron Clemons
A film of deceptively outspoken contemporary relevance, this is cinema at its most alert, alarming and alive.
thisseatofmars
Yes, it's a foreign movie, but relax: it doesn't suck. I find foreign films that become known in NA are generally slow and/or pompous. "Men and Chicken" on the other hand is worthy of high praise and whatever Oscar buzz there was surrounding it, whatever or however much Oscar buzz is worth. Mads Mikkelsen is known outside of Denmark for playing villains, from James Bond to Hannibal to a baddie in Kojima's upcoming "Death Stranding." I thought "Men and Chicken" would be a vehicle for Mikkelsen, featuring him in every scene, leering like how he does in his usual villainous roles: but no. Every actor contributes to the whole of the story, and while Mikkelsen plays an eccentric, he does not chew up the scenery. I never knew what to think of him before, but through this performance I can see he's really a great actor-- not just someone with creepy fish lips. I'm focusing on him because I know very little about Danish cinema, but also because he doesn't steal the scenes from any of the other players. It's a great movie with great and decrepit scenery, moments, and dialogue. Much of it is truly weird, creepy, and very funny: the scene at the retirement home is especially excellent. Highly recommended.
Reno Rangan
A strange Danish film. It was a lot like the Danish version of 'The Addams Family'. Written and directed by a screenwriter for the notable films in different languages. This is the story of two brothers who embark a journey to a remote island after their father died. Because they learn they were adopted, so they go to look for their biological parents. They end up in a strange house with the strange people, but realise how they are related to each other. So the remaining part focused on the mysteries surrounding the house. When those things come out, the narration reaches its peak and brings the end.I think the title should have been 'Men & Animals'. If you watch the film you will know the reason, particularly after the final twist. As I had observed, many people liked it, but to me it was average. The idea seems very good, but the style was missing. Too ordinary presentation. If the approach was atypical like I said 'The Addams Family', it would have gained more popularity internationally.The actors were good, shoot in the good places. Among all, Nikolaj was the familiar face. This is not your usual film, yet not for everyone. Maybe if you know the language, you might enjoy it better. The subtitle translated comedies are not that effective. Feels like I want to like it, since it was tagged as a comedy I did not get many laughs. So I won't stop you if you want to try it, but only tell you to be careful while choosing it, regarding what you are expecting from it.6/10
kitatbro
I've been anxiously awaiting the American release of Men and Chicken. Having become a huge Mads Mikkelsen fan, I've watched all of his movies I could get my hands on. As such, I've become a big fan of Danish cinema. The Danes have a really off-beat sense of humor that shines in this film. As other reviewers have said, this movie almost defies description. I will say that it's hilarious. It brought me to tears at times. The characters are quirky and unpredictable. They never cease to amaze, in more ways than one. Basically the story unites 2 sets of brothers who had never met, 2 of the brothers hoping to meet their biological father. In their own special ways, they learn from each other and enrich each others' lives. Without revealing it, there is a very interesting ending to the film. If you catch them, there are subtle clues to the ending throughout. The actors aren't afraid to make fun of themselves in both looks and actions. The dialogue is witty so read the subtitles quickly.
MartinHafer
If I had to sum up this film, it's like an unholy mating of "The Island of Dr. Moreau", the odd Alan Bates film "King of Hearts" and perhaps "Eraserhead"! It's twisted and strange film from Danish filmmaker Anders Thomas Jensen...that's for sure.When the film begin, Gabriel (David Dencik) is at his father's deathbed. His other son, Elias (Mads Mikkelsen) arrives too late. However, their father left a videotape for them both to watch upon his death. In the tape, he reveals that their mother and father are not their biological parents and that their biological father is an elderly man living on a desolate island in the south. The brothers both agree to travel there and see if they can see this man. However, the trip will not be easy, as Elias is a very, very strange man with a strong psychosexual compulsion to masturbate or score with women...though as the film progresses it appears as if his prowess with women is in his strange mind.When they arrive at a dilapidated old sanitarium where their biological father is said to reside, Gabriel is greeted with incredible hostility. His three previously unknown brothers who live there attack him and beat him severely and with no provocation. In many ways, they behave like animals. Later, the pair return and Gabriel encourages Elias to take a try in talking to this weird trio. We soon understand why....Elias is just as violent and insane as they are! After besting the three in a very violent meeting, Gabriel and Elias are allowed in to see this ultra-bizarre place. Apparently the hospital was closed decades ago and these three mentally challenged and weird men formed their own odd social structure based on who can beat the others senseless. What's more, the place is a filthy mess...with farm animals in most every room and decay all about the place. There also are indication that at least some of the brothers have been making amorous advances towards some of the animals! To make it even stranger, if it's even possible, every time Gabriel asks to see their father, his newly discovered brother, Franz, gets violent and threatens to lock them in cages! What's really going on here and why is it that all five brothers seem to possess various sorts of strange genetic disorders? To find out more, I suggest you see the film...though I promise you the answers will be rather awful and a bit disturbing!Well, if you do see this one, don't say I didn't warn you...it's incredibly strange and is not for the squeamish. It also answers a question that fans of the television series "Hannibal" have been asking...."What will Mads Mikkelsen do now that the show has been canceled?!". Well, I'll tell you...in many ways he's just made a film that makes "Hannibal" look amazingly normal!So there you have it...the gauntlet's been thrown. Do you dare try this strange Danish film? And, if you do, what do you make of it and its ultra-strange plot?! As for me...I still don't know what I think of it!! I do know that the acting is extremely good (particularly by Dencik who manages to more than hold his own opposite Mikkelsen) and the film deserves kudos for being unique!