The Danish Girl- Adjust and Accept

No, it’s not the story of a young baker: The Danish Girl is a 2015 movie based on a book about the life of Lili Elbe. Elbe (Eddie Redmayne) was one of the first known people to undergo a sex-change operation, and the movie chronicles her transformation and her relationship with her wife, Gerda Wegener (Alicia Vikander).

The Danish Girl is an amazing film. Its beautiful shots and costumes make it aesthetically pleasing to watch, and the story is very interesting. Though it’s not entirely historically accurate (many details of Elbe’s life were fictionalized for the book) the movie brings a largely unknown story to the general public’s attention. It also offers a very positive view on transgender identity without transphobia. Elbe has a strong support system of people who love her regardless of the changes she’s undergoing, even if they have to adjust to it first.  

This movie is such an emotional journey. There were a few funny moments when the entire theater laughed out loud, but most of The Danish Girl is very intense. Because of the quality of the acting, you truly feel with the characters. Redmayne and Vikander both manage to bring their characters’ emotions across well using just body language and facial expressions. Redmayne is such a strong actor, but remarkably Vikander shines even brighter. When Wegener cries, you feel like crying, and when she smiles, you do too. The two actors play off each other so well that it’s very pleasant and satisfying to watch.

There was one more great character in the movie, Hans, played by Matthias Schoenaerts. He’s a friend to both Elbe and Wegener, and he helps them both with his supportiveness. He also provides one of the best lines in the movie, saying to Elbe: “I’ve only liked a handful of people in my life, and you’ve been two of them.”

Sometimes good stories are ruined by the way they end, but this was not the case with The Danish Girl. The ending is fitting for the rest of the story, just as beautiful and moving. If you’re looking for an amazing movie to watch (it is rated R, however), make sure to get your hands on this one.