Jesper Christensen is absolutely fantastic as the severely alcoholic Kaj in this starkly realistic Danish film. Kaj lives a derelict life on "the bench" with his peers, having fled all responsibility and betrayed everyone who was ever close to him.

Behind every human being lies a unique story.

One day, he is accidentally confronted by his daughter Liv (Stine Holm Joensen) and his grandson Jonas. He hasn't cared for his daughter in 19 years. Liv has just left an abusive husband to start a new life, and when she asks Kaj for help with childcare, he is faced with the most difficult choice of his life.

This is a story about a man who has completely given up on life, yet receives a second chance to reach out and help when it is needed most.

Reviewed by Iva (November 2001)