Terribly Happy

Terribly Happy

Year: 2010

Runtime: 90 min

Language: Danish

Director: Henrik Ruben Genz

Drama

A disillusioned cop, Robert Hanson, is exiled to a quaint provincial town after a breakdown, only to find himself entangled with a mysterious femme fatale. His city-hardened worldview clashes with the town's eccentricities, leading him down a dark path of desperation and depravity, as he struggles to reconcile his identity amidst the chaos.

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Timeline & Setting – Terribly Happy (2010)
Explore the full timeline and setting of Terribly Happy (2010). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The movie takes place in contemporary times, where issues of domestic violence and personal morality intertwine with law enforcement. The narrative unfolds in a setting that reflects modern societal issues, highlighting the complexities of justice and personal responsibility.

Location

Skarrild, Tonder, Copenhagen

Skarrild is a small village nestled in a damp lowland area, known for its tight-knit community and eccentric residents. It presents a seemingly serene facade, yet hides dark secrets and a preference for self-administered justice. Tonder serves as the nearby town, with a more established law enforcement presence, while Copenhagen represents the more urban backdrop that contrasts with Skarrild.

🏡 Village 🌳 Countryside 🚓 Law Enforcement

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:45

Main Characters – Terribly Happy (2010)
Meet the key characters of Terribly Happy (2010), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Robert Hansen

Robert Hansen is a fragile police officer grappling with his mental state after a breakdown triggered by personal strife. Assigned to Skarrild, he embodies both the protector and the transgressor as he becomes entangled in the village's dark secrets. His journey through guilt, longing, and moral complexity creates a multifaceted character torn between duty and desire.

👮 Law Enforcement 😞 Vulnerability ❤️ Complicated Romance

Ingelise Buhl

Ingelise Buhl is a deeply troubled woman whose life is overshadowed by domestic abuse. Her relationship with Robert elicits both tenderness and tragedy, as her vulnerability draws him in while also leading to a catastrophic outcome. Ingelise's character highlights the consequences of violence and the struggle for understanding amidst chaos.

💔 Abuse Victim 😢 Tragic Figure ❤️ Love Interest

Jørgen

Jørgen is portrayed as the antagonist in Ingelise's life, embodying the violence and toxicity that haunts their relationship. His behavior fuels Robert's protective instincts, but ultimately leads to a tragic confrontation. Jørgen’s presence looms large even in his absence, as he symbolizes the dark undercurrents of the village life.

🔫 Abusive Spouse 😠 Conflict 💀 Tragedy

Josefine

Josefine is Robert's daughter, whose well-being serves as a catalyst for his decisions throughout the film. Her distance from Robert exacerbates his sense of loss and drives his need to regain stability in his life. Josefine represents both the hope for redemption and the innocent victim of her father's turmoil.

👧 Innocence ❤️ Family 😭 Longing

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:45

Major Themes – Terribly Happy (2010)
Explore the central themes of Terribly Happy (2010), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

⚖️ Justice

The theme of justice is central to the narrative, as Robert faces moral dilemmas when the villagers choose to enact their own form of justice instead of involving the authorities. His initial role as a protector is challenged as he becomes embroiled in violence and cover-ups. The blurred lines between right and wrong complicate Robert's journey and culminate in a personal reckoning.

💔 Tragedy

Tragedy permeates the story as personal relationships unravel, culminating in a heartbreaking incident involving Ingelise. The aftermath of her death leads to a series of tragic decisions that haunt Robert, emphasizing the devastating consequences of actions taken in passion. The theme of loss extends beyond individuals to impact the entire community.

😔 Guilt

Guilt is a pervasive theme that influences Robert’s every action following Ingelise's death. His internal conflict and recognition of his role in the tragedy reveal the psychological burden he carries. The exploration of guilt leads Robert to make increasingly desperate choices, highlighting how past actions can trap individuals in moral quandaries.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:45

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