In Danish filmmaker Susanne Bier’s new film LOVE IS ALL YOU NEED Trine Dyrholm plays Ida a hairdresser who has come to the end of her initial treatment for breast cancer. As a result of the chemotherapy all her hair has gone which she replaces with a blonde wig.

The film begins with her consulting with her specialist in his private rooms. He tells her that he is hoping that he has removed all of the cancer however there’s no guarantee. Ira goes home hoping to get some love and support from her husband Leif(Kim Bodnia) instead she finds him frolicking in their marital bed with one of his much younger work colleagues.

Ida shows him the door however life still has to go on especially the upcoming marriage of his daughter Astrid(Molly Blixt Eglind) in Italy. Ida leaves Denmark for Sorrento in a dark mood, and worse still, upon arrival, she has to contend with her ex showing off his new girlfriend.

Despite being under the pump, Ida is one tough lady and battles through. Sparks begin to fly between her and Phiilip(Pierce Brosnan), the father of the groom, who has recently lost his wife.

Bier’s film covers multitudes. It is a very sentimental film in its portrayal of two battle scared people being able to find love again. There’s the visual beauty of Sorrento. The wedding couple hire a mansion for everyone to stay in, and the audience is swept away by the romance and the adventure.

At the same time LOVE IS ALL YOU NEED is a tough movie:- it doesn’t shy away from some hard issues, doesn’t go in for Hollywood endings and some of her character portrayals are nothing short of scathing.

This was a movie well worth a visit. LOVE IS ALL YOU NEED opens in cinemas on Thursday 13th December, 2012

(c) David Kary

6th December, 2012

Tags: Sydney Movie Reviews- LOVE IS ALL YOU NEED, Susanne Bier, Danish filmmaking, Pierce Brosnan, Trine Byrholm, Molly Blixt Eglind, Kim Bodina, Sydney Arts Guide, David Kary