In Order of Disappearance (2014)

Recommended to me by the only Norwegian I know In Order of Disappearance is an action/ revenge film with a distinctly Nordic air and quirky/dark sense of humor. Stellan Skarsgård is Nils Dickman, who along with his wife run a plow company which keeps roads in the far north of the country passable. Beloved in his community Niles is awarded as "citizen of the year" and has a friend who regularly pesters him to run for office under the "Farmers Centrist Party". Shortly after the award ceremony the Dickman's are contacted by authorities in the nearest large city to inform them that their only child has been found dead from a drug overdoes. The strain of this event breaks up the couples marriage and Nils is very close to ending his own life when new information comes to light. A friend of his late son informs Mr. Dickman that his child's death was no accident, that it had been made to look like one by the local mob in retaliation for a theft of drugs, ironically not committed by the younger Dickman but rather by his "friend" while borrowing his car. Nils demands that the real thief leave and never come back, but only after gleaning information from him on those involved in his son death. Armed with new purpose Nils Dickman sets out on a mission of revenge, to kill everyone in the mob responsible for the death of his son.  

This dark set up provides an introduction to a slightly off kilter world full of police who idolize American cop shows, a vegan mafia boss, gay gangsters, a Japanese hit-man known as "The Chinaman" and an aging Serbian Mafioso who has become fascinated with skiing. The Sebrian's come into the picture after Dickman's continued "disappearing" of the vegan don's lieutenants lead him to concluded that the rival Serbian syndicate has broken their truce, and start a gang war. Things escalate, and keep escalating with a carnage oddly balanced by an odd politeness, such as when Dickman, having kidnapped the mob bosses young son, consents to give him a ride in his snow plow after much pestering. The humor elevates this film over its typical American cousin, and in fact (though mixed relational metaphor) will soon give birth to one. The English language remake Hard Power, to star (appropriately) Liam Neeson is do to come out next year, and helmed by the originals Nordic director Hans Petter Moland. I'm looking forward to that, but still readily recommend In Order of Disappearance to those who may be interested. ***