Flame and Citron

Flame and Citron is a gripping historical drama from Denmark that uniquely combines the genres of war and noir. The film offers an unyielding and raw depiction of World War II resistance efforts, as seen through the eyes and actions of two of Denmark's most notorious freedom fighters.

This Danish-German co-production directed by the brilliant Ole Christian Madsen stars Thure Lindhardt in the role of Flame and Mads Mikkelsen as Citron. Jesper Christensen, Peter Mygind, and Stine Stengade also deliver remarkable performances.

Taking place in Denmark's Nazi-occupied Copenhagen during the heat of World War II, the film presents the account of two riven real-life resistance fighters, codenamed Flame and Citron. Bent Faurschou-Hviid, known as Flame, earns his moniker for his fiery red hair, while Jørgen Haagen Schmith, named Citron, gets his surname from his days as a Citroën mechanic.

Flame, played by Lindhardt, is the audacious sharpshooter of the duo, and his fearless face-offs uninhibitedly against the Nazis. His partner, Mikkelsen's Citron, handles the logistics and provides backup from the shadows. Together, they form an efficient team committed to sabotaging Nazi operations and decimating their leadership.

The narrative of the film unfolds with an engrossing intensity as they navigate the dangers and moral quagmires of their mission. Madsen's sophisticated handling of the plot intricately explores their motivations, the constant pressure of their clandestine existence, and the toll it takes on their personal lives.

The film captures their inner turmoil and persistent fear in the face of constant pursuit, raising questions about the ideals they uphold and the lengths they are willing to stretch to safeguard these principles. The interaction between the characters is also an essential highlight, bringing a unique perspective involving the morality and ethical interference that war often precipitates.

Mads Mikkelsen gives a rich performance as Citron, characterised by stern stoicism and angst-ridden sensitivity, veiling a kindness that war has dwarfed but not obliterated. Thure Lindhardt's Flame is a striking contrast, a passionate idealist willing to risk everything for his beliefs, reflecting the world's grit and grimace.

Stine Stengade plays the enigmatic and seductive Ketty, who enters Flame's life and adds a complex and heartrending love story to the film. The chemistry between Flame and Ketty adds further intrigue and emotional texture to a narrative already burdened with tension and baffling conflicts of interest.

Jesper Christensen as Aksel Winther, the local resistance group's chief command, and Peter Mygind as their target Hoffman, further enriches the film's narrative with their multi-layered performances.

One of the standout aspects of the film is its unwavering commitment to focusing on the human drama at the heart of this war story. The plot strikes a balance between relentless action sequences and introspective moments, underscoring the characters' humanness amidst the chaos of war.

The technical facets of the film are treated with equal finesse. From the cinematography to the production design, every aspect contributes significantly to recreating the fearful atmosphere of the 1940s Nazi-occupied Denmark, filled with paranoia, uncertainty, and danger.

The movie’s stark visual palette is expressively grim and muted, absorbing the viewer into the stark realities of war. Costumes and set design lend more authenticity, adding to the realism of this immersive historical film.

Flame and Citron wrestle with the grey areas of moral righteousness during war, making it a compelling watch. It does not glorify the resistance fighters as untainted heroes, but rather portrays them as flawed human beings, entrapped in a cataclysm of history-shaping events and moral dilemmas. It beautifully captures the essence of uncertain times, making it a cinematic gem in the world of historical war dramas.

All in all, Flame and Citron is a vivid, tense, and thought-provoking portrayal of two characters embroiled in the dark, murky world of WWII espionage and resistance fighting. The film provides a sensitive exploration of wartime machinations, personal sacrifice, and shifting loyalties, making it a must-see for any avid lover of war films and historical dramas.