The Milwaukee Post

By TOM JOZWIK Post Film Critic The title "Land of Mine" is a play on words. It both sum- marizes the attitude of its central character, a Danish soldier who tells German prisoners of war "This is my country (and) you're not wel- come here," and suggests a plot centering on landmines in the Danish countryside. In the aftermath of World War II, the POWs (contrary to tenets of the Geneva Convention) are made to defuse countless explosives the Nazis buried in Denmark's soil during five years of occupation. Apparently the Allies actual- ly did require German pris- oners to undertake such a fool's errand — a circum- stance which, joined with the callow youthfulness of the film's captives and the sadistic treatment they receive, posits the viewer firmly on the Axis side. War is an evil commodity, the subtitled "Land" seems to be saying, no matter who wages it; all who wage war are capable of inhumanity. The aforementioned cen- tral character, Carl Rasmussen (Roland Moller), is a sergeant in Denmark's army, charged with oversee- ing 14 POWs young enough to be his sons. The prisoners have modest aspirations (mechanic, bricklayer, work- er in friend's father's facto- ry) and demonstrably care for one another. Despite a lack of expertise they're charged with prodding the land to discover landmines to defuse. Rasmussen — rep- resentative of hardened cap- tors — makes the worst jobs in the world not a whit easi- er. He calls the kids "filthy swine," matter-of-factly informs them "If you make a mistake you will either die or be badly injured," adds "I don't care if you croak" and roughs them up for no rea- son. I hated the sergeant about a minute after he arrived onscreen. But then, as my godmother would've pointed out, things change. One of Carl's crew loses his arms in an explosion and the sergeant clandestinely visits the hospital to check on his welfare. Rasmussen comforts another charge, back in the barracks; devel- ops something of a friend- ship with a third (Louis Hofmann as Sebastian); makes an effort to learn all the lads' names; provides them with additional rations; and organizes soc- cer matches and races for them. If it seems "Saving Private Ryan" has suddenly turned into "Hogan's Heroes," however, know that events soon enough return Carl to his tough-as-nails ways. Still, the sarge is a pussycat compared to his military superiors. Carl also turns out to be a man of his word, never mind that that might bring him immeasurable suffering. I say "might" because the film concludes before the sergeant's fate is decided. "Land" is a fine movie, one of five in competition for the 2016 best foreign language film Oscar and a worthy addition to any first-rate films-about-war list. Its act- ing comes across as incredi- bly effortless — and incredi- bly realistic. There is tragedy, but, while the film is hardly antiseptic, it hardly qualifies as a bloodbath, either. A scene of sexual abuse progresses quickly, less graphic than it might have been and unlikely to strike patrons as gratuitous. The musical score (Sune Martin) appeals, and yet, in its repetitive simplicity, almost haunts as well — not unlike "Land of Mine" as a whole. By JULIE MCHALE Post Theater Critic MEQUON — You may remember "The God Committee" or "Freud's Last Session," two of Mark St. Germain's plays pro- duced by Acacia Theatre. Both deal with behaviors with a strong moral compo- nent and characters with very diverse points of view. Their present offering fits into that category as well. "Best of Enemies," a play that goes on for two hours without a break, is a heated confrontation between races, a situation more prevalent in our earlier his- tory, but one that continues to plague our society. The drama is intense and engaging, using video news clips for proof of the realities that confronted us and the solutions that chal- lenged us. Whenever a major change is attempted, there is pain and often violence involved. Look back at the women's suffrage move- ment or the formation of unions. Even more recently the push for gay rights or equal pay or protests against profiling or unfair immigration practices. There are always those who resist and those who pay the price to bring about the desired change. It is seldom a pretty picture. We feel comfortable with the familiar and many times we conjure up fears about those who are differ- ent from ourselves. The story in "The Best of Enemies" involves an attempt to make progress in integrating schools in Durham, N.C., in the 1970s, but it also alludes to many similar incidents through- out the country. Bill Riddick, an educat- ed, rather self-impressed black man who worked for the federal government, was sent to the above Southern city to try to solve the problem of integrating the schools. His plan was to call a meeting in which both sides of the issue were represented. He finally got two people — an avid Ku Klux Klan member, C. P. Ellis, and a rabid civil rights activist, Ann Atwater — to participate in the discussion, though both did so reluctantly. Watching attitudes change over time was fasci- nating to watch. A fourth character, C. P.'s wife, Mary, was also a dynamic part of the mix. Some of the wisest words about the nature and reasons for prejudice came out of her mouth. Besides the four actors who tell the story, there is also a chorus that interjects rousing songs to express various feelings. Music is often used as a catalyst to unite or divide people, to create solidarity in a given position. This added anoth- er dimension to the narra- tive. The acting was stellar with four stars going to Ryan Schaufler as the KKK 14 • Milwaukee County Post • March 24, 2017 'Best of Enemies' humanizes racial divide ENTERTAINMENT Louis Hofmann, left, and Roland Moller enjoy a rare light moment in the war film "Land of Mine." Sony Pictures Classics Ryan Schaufler as Ku Klux Klan member C.P. Ellis, foreground, points to Lori Woodall (Ann Atwater) while Derrion Brown (Bill Riddick) remains seated in Acacia Theatre's production of "Best of Enemies." Sony Pictures Classics See ENEMIES on Page 17 'Land of Mine' merits place among fine war films "Land of Mine" ★★★★ Starring: Roland Moller, Louis Hofmann Director-writer: Martin Zandvliet MPAA rating: R Running time: 100 minutes Showings: landmark- theatres.com At a glance "Best of Enemies" The drama runs through Sunday at the Acacia Theatre, Concordia University, 12800 N. Lake Drive, Mequon. Call 414- 744-5995 or visit www. acaciatheatre.com At a glance

• Cover