An Oscar nominee for Best Foreign Language film of 2006.

The opening is arresting as Jacob, Mads Mikkelsen (the junkie in the Pusher films and Le Chiffre clashing with James Bond in Casino Royale) is a dedicated and popular worker in an orphanage in Mumbai.  The immediate emotional appeal is very clear.

However, the plot proves less predictable than one might have thought.  Jacob has to return to Denmark to consolidate funds for the orphans.  His benefactor is a wealthy businessman who has built up his empire from nothing.  Seeming rather indifferent to Jacob’s presentation and video of activity in Mumbai, he invites Jacob to his daughter’s wedding the next day.

Here matters become very complicated and the storyline is best left for audiences to find out for themselves.  Needless to say, Jacob has to fight for his projects but the industrialist has more hidden motives in mind.

The material is more than a touch soap-operatic but rises above this through the powerful performances of the principal cast.  There are domestic issues as well as questions about philanthropy, foreign do-gooding in countries like India and collaborating with Indians to effect their own development.

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