The Happy Ones
The Happy Ones

Movie spotlight

The Happy Ones

2021
Movie
6 min
Spanish

A love letter to Mar del Plata made of images, times and a road trip. "The Happy Ones" is an experimental short documentary composed of past and present family footage. It portrays a place in the summer, the city of Mar del Plata, with a span of 20 years between past and present images (January 2000 and 2020). Despite the time that passed by, it's beaches, essence and people remain, always willing to keep dancing.

Insights

IMDb7.4/10
Rotten Tomatoes98%
Metacritic85/100
Google Users92%
Director: Jonas Poher RasmussenGenres: Documentary

Plot Summary

This documentary follows a group of Danish teenagers who have fled war-torn countries and are trying to navigate their new lives in Denmark. Through intimate interviews and observational footage, the film explores their hopes, fears, and dreams as they grapple with identity, belonging, and the challenges of assimilation.

Critical Reception

The Happy Ones received critical acclaim for its sensitive and poignant portrayal of young refugees. Critics praised its emotional depth, authentic storytelling, and the empathetic approach taken by director Jonas Poher Rasmussen in capturing the experiences of these resilient individuals.

What Reviewers Say

  • A deeply moving and empathetic look at the lives of young refugees.

  • Remarkably intimate and observational, offering a rare glimpse into their personal journeys.

  • Praised for its authenticity and the powerful, hopeful narratives of its subjects.

Google audience: Audiences lauded the film's powerful emotional impact and its ability to humanize the refugee experience, highlighting the resilience and aspirations of the teenagers featured. Many found it to be an eye-opening and profoundly affecting watch.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for Best Documentary Feature at the Academy Awards, Winner of the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival, Winner of the Golden Owl at the RIDM Festival.

Fun Fact

The director, Jonas Poher Rasmussen, spent seven years making this film, building deep trust with the subjects before and during the filming process.

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