The Five Obstructions
Watch TrailerIn 1967, experimental filmmaker Jorgen Leth created a striking short film, The Perfect Human, starring a man and women sitting in a box while a narrator poses questions about their relationship and humanity. Years later, Danish director Lars von Trier made a deal with Leth to remake his film five times, each under a different set of circumstances and with von Trier's strictly prescribed rules. As Leth completes each challenge, von Trier creates increasingly further elaborate stipulations.
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📋 Film Details
| Original Title | De fem benspænd |
| Year | 2003 |
| Country | Belgium, Denmark, France |
| Genre | Documentary |
| Director | Lars von Trier |
| Runtime | 90 min. |
| Rating | TMDB: 6.9/10 (177 votes) |
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🎬 MovieFinder's Take
This is quietly operating cinema. No big events, no crisis turns — just people and how they live through what happens to them.
Strengths: atmosphere, actors, accuracy of detail. Weaknesses: the pace isn't for everyone, the ending may feel unresolved.
For people who watch films for feeling, not entertainment.
Director: Lars von Trier
— MovieFinder Editorial
Best Watched
Viewing atmosphere: An evening when your mind is at peace. With someone you can sit in silence with after. Wine or tea.
🎭 Cast
Jørgen Leth
Voice-over (from Det perfekte menneske) / Self - Director / +
Lars von Trier
Self / Obstructor (segment "The Conversations")
Claus Nissen
The Perfect Man (from Det perfekte menneske) (archive footage)
Majken Algren Nielsen
The Perfect Woman (from Det perfekte menneske) (archive footage)
Daniel Hernandez Rodriguez
The Perfect Man (segment "Cuba")
Jacqueline Arenal
The Perfect Woman (segment "Cuba")
Vivian Rosa
(segment "Cuba")
Patrick Bauchau
The Perfect Man / Voice-over (Brussels) / Speaker (Cartoon)
Alexandra Vandernoot
The Perfect Woman (segment "Brussels")
Marie Dejaer
Maid (segment "Brussels")
💬 Audience Reviews
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