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Last Exit. Denmark 2004. Directed by David Noel Bourke

Englishman in Denmark called Nigel is looking for a job in Copenhagen. His friend recommends to get in touch with "The President". Soon he realizes he's dealing with criminals here but still decides to work for them, since big salaries is something he has just wished for. Nigel's wife Maria is also happy with the income - she has big-time problem with heroin. In the meantime, Nigel falls in love with one of The President's girls, beautiful Tanya. Unluckily, the happiness won't live with these persons for too long.

This Danish effort to microcinema scene contains enormous quality in the area, that's so often the achilles heel in this genre - I am talking about acting. All the lead actors and actresses - Morten Vogelius (Nigel), Gry Bay (Tanya) and Jette Philipsen (Maria) - truly get in deep in their roles. You can notice some over-acting in support actors' performances but the disturbing feel of the movie won't let them do much of a harm.

David Noel Bourke and his compadre of this low-budget masterpiece, Andre Noulin have created the authentic feel to Last Exit by using hand-held digital video camera in location of Copenhagens' famous (or infamous?) Red Light District and Christiania. The use of swaying camera is on the border of irritation, but somehow it is justifiable when following the Nigels' collapsing world.

One element (that particurarly raises in the surface in the end) that differs Last Exit from many other similar items is the unbelievably black humour. Bourke cleverly leaves the most terrifying scenes off-screen - if they had been more graphic, the unique atmosphere would've been suffered dramatically.

After I felt almost guilty when smiling through the end credits, I knew I had just been watching one of the most original independent production for a while.