Director: Anders Thomas Jensen
Starring: Mads Mikkelsen, Nikolaj Lie Kaas, Andrea Heick Gadeberg
Markus goes home to his teenage daughter, Mathilde, when his wife dies in a train crash. All appears to be a tragic accident until a mathematics geek, who was also a fellow passenger on the train, and his two colleagues show up.
Fate is an interesting thing. It has its own plan for every individual, whether for the better…or not.
Trivial events lead to Emma and her daughter Mathilde taking the train instead of the car. When mathematician Otto gave up his seat on the train for Emma, fate was in his favour, but sadly not for Emma, and she was killed in what appeared to be a freak accident.
Otto believes nothing happens by chance, and he finds evidence that proves the accident was no accident. It turns out a key witness in a gang-related case and his lawyer were also on the train. Eliminating the witness, meant the gang members would go free. The gang in question: The Riders of Justice.
When Otto approaches Emma’s husband, Markus (Mads Mikkelsen) with his findings, Markus is skeptical at first, but when irrefutable evidence indicates it was indeed no accident, Markus vows to avenge Emma’s death and take out the gang members. With the help of Otto and his friends Lennart and Emmenthaler, they track down the Riders of Justice. Hungry for revenge and justice, Markus – a hardened soldier – is about to unleash his fury.
‘Riders of Justice’ is miles better than vengeance movies like ‘John Wick’ (ugh, hate that franchise!). It has more substance and character development than any John Wick film could ever wish to have. ‘Riders of Justice’ also has emotional depth, and fantastic performances all round. I also loved the subtle humour.
‘Riders of Justice’ takes us on a wild ride in a movie full of surprises. In a way, the film reminded me of films like ‘Rendel’ and ‘Nobody’. I loved it!
‘Riders of Justice’ received 43 award nominations, winning 9 including Best International Feature, Best Supporting Actor, Best Actress, Best Original Score, Best Visual Effects, Best Actor, and Best Narrative Feature.
In Danish.
Would I watch it again? Yes.
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