The orthodox muslim faith is a constant source of debate in the western world today, and it would be obvious to draw a parallel between Sara’s dilemma and the difficult situation of young muslim girls in a western country like Denmark today. Director Niels Arden Oplev has openly stated that this was a parallel he had in mind when he made To verdener.
Sara goes proselytizing with her father (Jens Jørn Spottag) and younger sister (Sarah Juel Werner). Photo by Jesper Juncker-Jensen
Arden Oplev felt that the debate about the perils of fundementalism had become tedious, always alianted the muslim culture and focusing on terror and suicide bombers, and he hopes that his movie might be able to bring a different aspect to the debate. He succeeds very nicely in this, I think; depicting religion not just as a “them-between-us” situation by making the religious protagonist a Danish Jehova’s Witness, rather than an immigrant orthodox Muslim. Especially because he manages to depict the allure of the cult as well, I think. A poignant scene shows Sara at a huge Jehova’s Witness convention on a beautiful, sunny summer day, and it’s hard not be feel somewhat charmed by the warmth and enthusiastic atmosphere, Sara is greeted with by her fellow cult members, as she stands up in front of the assembly to announce that she wishes to become a full-time missionary for the cult.
I very much recommend this movie! Despite its young protagonists it is far from being simply a coming-of-age drama or a teenage flick, and I think it will be enjoyed as a quality movie by both a young and an old audience. You can see the trailer here (no subtitles, unfortunately).
/marie