I struggled initially to grasp what the poster was trying to convey; I tried every trick I knew to decipher it, but nothing seemed to work. It appeared at first glance like it might be a fantasy film featuring a creature similar to King Kong, sparking varied interpretations and setting expectations that the movie ultimately didn't meet. Instead, it turned out to be a simple comedy-drama, requiring viewers to simply watch and discover its nature. The opening scenes were promising, though I hadn’t anticipated the entire film maintaining that quality. The narrative centered on a prankster attempting to reconnect with his workaholic daughter, portraying a journey of self-discovery—not through external challenges but through exploring the meaning of life and purpose. It's a touching depiction of a father-daughter relationship, highlighting how easily people can become consumed by their careers and neglect truly living. It’s undeniable that we live in a competitive world where job security is precarious, and someone is always vying for your position. However, the real question is whether all this striving is worthwhile. Such doubts don't surface without those who care about us gently pointing them out; it requires tact and consideration. Some individuals, as seen in this film, choose an alternative path, sometimes leading to unexpected adventures that reveal their true passions. The movie felt honest in its willingness to explore various perspectives. The story follows Winfried, a divorced music teacher of advanced years who enjoys playing practical jokes. Following the death of his dog, he decides to reconnect with his only daughter, Ines, who is working in Romania and on the verge of achieving a significant career milestone. Her focus is momentarily diverted by her father, and she attempts to understand his unconventional lifestyle. This marks the beginning of their journey, and some of the choices they make allow the film to convey its message effectively. > "The problem is it's so often about getting things done. You do this, You do that. And in the meantime, life just passes by." The film was inspired by the director’s own father, and the writing was exceptionally well-crafted. It evoked comparisons to 'Infinitely Polar Bear,' as both are films directed by women drawing inspiration from their fathers to share glimpses of their childhood experiences. The acting performances were outstanding, particularly those in the lead roles, who delivered nuanced portrayals that I appreciated equally. Those unfamiliar with the film may find themselves drawn to it solely because of the actors' talent. The film has garnered numerous prestigious awards internationally and is now a contender at the 2017 Oscars. Another Scandinavian film also nominated for an Oscar focuses on an elderly man, but I believe 'Under Sandet' holds a stronger chance of winning due to America’s Academy’s tendency toward WWII-themed stories. The film is geared towards adult audiences and features unexpected nude and sexual scenes that initially felt jarring, as if the movie had lost its direction. However, these moments ultimately proved to be pivotal, marking a shift in tone for the second half of the film, which many viewers may prefer over the first. Initially, it resembled 'The Family Fang,' but with a more grounded and darkly humorous approach. Understanding every scene can be challenging, especially on a first viewing, as the casual nature of events obscures their significance without familiarity with the characters. An appreciation for dark humor is essential to fully grasp its nuances; a second viewing may unlock deeper layers of meaning. It’s one of those films that benefits from repeated viewings. I wasn't immediately convinced by the film's quality, but upon reflection, many elements began to make sense. By the time I started writing this review, my opinion had shifted in its favor. This is why I prefer to wait before reviewing a movie—it allows for proper consideration. It’s a worthwhile film, demanding close attention and comprehension to fully appreciate; however, it's also one of the longer comedy-dramas released recently, despite being enjoyable overall. Recommended! _7/10_

Source on TMDB