The Green Butchers (Grønne slagtere) (2003)

63% of critics liked it
(27 reviews)
83% of users liked it
(5,302 ratings)

This black comedy from Denmark involves the exploits of Bjarne and Svend, two friends who go into the meat-cutting business together only to see their venture fail miserably. But when Svend starts experimenting with a strange new culinary concoction, business picks up -- but they find that getting… More This black comedy from Denmark involves the exploits of Bjarne and Svend, two friends who go into the meat-cutting business together only to see their venture fail miserably. But when Svend starts experimenting with a strange new culinary concoction, business picks up -- but they find that getting ahold of their "secret ingredient" will be more of a challenge than they thought. ~ Michael Hastings, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 35 min.
Directed By: Anders Thomas Jensen
Written By: Anders Thomas Jensen
Genres: Drama, Art House & International, Comedy

In Theaters: Apr 3, 2004 Wide
On DVD: May 17, 2005
Studio: Newmarket Films

Critic Reviews

Peter Howell, Toronto Star
The subject is so grim you may find that you've forgotten to laugh.
Michael Wilmington, Chicago Tribune
Gruesome as it may sound, Butchers is a likeable, well-made film and a genuine comedy.
Michael Booth, Denver Post
You might not want to dine with this group, especially if they brought the meat. But it's OK to play with the knives a little.
Ty Burr, Boston Globe
It's much ado about mutton.
Mick LaSalle, San Francisco Chronicle
Neither funny nor outrageous nor horrifying nor conventionally affecting.
V.A. Musetto, New York Post
You might say it's a case of too many ingredients spoiling the meal.
Ed Gonzalez, Slant Magazine
The quote on the back of The Green Butchers DVD cover (wink, wink) proves that anyone can sound like Earl Dittman if they're taken out of context.
Bill Chambers, Film Freak Central
For a comedy, that most culturally-specific of genres, the Danish production travels remarkably well
Phil Villarreal, Arizona Daily Star
Denmark may not have any Coen brothers, but it does have one Anders Thomas Jensen, and he's more than enough.
David Nusair, Reel Film Reviews
...considering the premise, this is a remarkably accessible little film.
Derek Tse, Jam! Movies
Isn't for all tastes, but it's well worth digging into -- if you've got the stomach for it.
Jeffrey M. Anderson, Combustible Celluloid
An obvious and strained effort.
Moira MacDonald, Seattle Times
While it's got a refreshingly dry, nasty tone, the film is never quite as funny as it needs to be.

Read all 13 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

Lanning :

This is a huge surprise. I have to say that I believe this might be the first Danish film I've ever seen in my life. I'll be looking for more. A beautiful mix of dark comedy and the seriously elevating power of love. In the end, this is less a comedy than it is a moving… More
This is a huge surprise. I have to say that I believe this might be the first Danish film I've ever seen in my life. I'll be looking for more. A beautiful mix of dark comedy and the seriously elevating power of love. In the end, this is less a comedy than it is a moving portrayal of forgiveness in the wake of tragedy. Just a fascinating mix. I can't even think of a film, off the top of my head, where such an emotional blend is achieved in such an interesting way. Flixsters, this is a must-see.<p>NB: If you do watch this, be prepared to deploy a healthy willing suspension of disbelief.
Curtis L

Best foreign movie around. Even though it was in another language, I laughed the whole time. Sven Sveat!
Lesley N

The second out of three films directed by Danish Anders Thomas Jensen and my second favourite after ADAM'S APPLES. Equally dark, equally funny, equally unlikeable-yet-somehow-likeable characters (this time its two butchers butchering acquaintances to keep the business open). The… More
The second out of three films directed by Danish Anders Thomas Jensen and my second favourite after ADAM'S APPLES. Equally dark, equally funny, equally unlikeable-yet-somehow-likeable characters (this time its two butchers butchering acquaintances to keep the business open). The plot is just as wonky as his other films, just slightly less unexpected. But thats a minor quibble, like comparing pigs to pigs when you love pigs. Just watch and enjoy, it's way past time the man directed another one.