The Celebration (1998)

In the grandeur of a timeless castle, a large and seemingly devoted family gathers to honor their patriarch, Helge, on the milestone of his 60th birthday. His children, each with their own undercurrents of life's complexities, journey from distant places to partake in the lavish festivity. Christian, the youngest son, struggles to match his father's expectations through his grill-bar nestled in Copenhagen's grittier side. His elder brother, a successful restaurateur in France, and their sister, an anthropologist, join him in the reunion. Yet, a gloomy shadow looms over the auspicious event, the recent suicide of their eldest sister, Linda, acting as an ominous backdrop. As the celebration unfurls, the semblance of harmony begins to crack, revealing a family far from united. In a poignant moment during the toasts, the elder son, entrusted by his father to eulogize their departed sister, presents a choice to the patriarch - a green speech or a yellow one. The father, unknowingly, opts for the green speech - the Speech of Truth. A nervous curiosity descends upon the room, laughter fades, and a bombshell of a secret threatens to shatter the veneer of respectability. "The Celebration" is a riveting exploration of family dynamics, concealed truths, and the profound impact of secrets. As the Speech of Truth echoes through the grand hall, the patriarch's birthday morphs into an unforgettable night of revelation, leaving no guest untouched. This narrative balances the fine line between a joyful family gathering and a shocking unraveling of hidden despair, promising a cinematic journey that will grip you until the very end.

The Celebration is a drama movie featuring Ulrich Thomsen.

The Celebration is currently streaming on Criterion Channel.