Truly Human (Danish: Et rigtigt menneske), certified as Dogme #18, is a 2001 Danish drama film written and directed by Åke Sandgren, and starring Nikolaj Lie Kaas, Peter Mygind, and Susan Olsen. Produced by Lars von Trier's and Peter Aalbæk Jensen's company Zentropa, the film was created following the Dogme 95 rules, and is experimental in style and narrative.
Contents
Plot
A contemporary fable about an invisible man who is given the chance to become a real human being. "P" is an imaginary character in the mind of seven-year-old Lisa. He lives behind the wallpaper in her bedroom. One day the house is demolished and he emerges from the rubble. With no language or identity he sets out into the human world, ending up at a refugee centre. This is the start of the account of "P's" dramatic progress through decline on his way to become truly human.
Cast
Nikolaj Lie Kaas as P
Peter Mygind as Walther
Susan Olsen as Charlotte (as Susan A. Olsen)
Troels II Munk as Stromboli
Line Kruse as Tanja
Søren Hauch-Fausbøll as Kjeldsen
Clara Nepper Winther as Lisa
Oliver Zahle as Benny
Charlotte Munksgaard as Molly (as Chalotte Munksgaard)
Klaus Bondam as Ulrik
Peter Belli as Sedergren
Hans Henrik Voetmann as customer in shoe shop
Josephine Cadan as Zelma
Jesper Asholt as Tern
Henning Palner as Forsberg
Anne Oppenhagen Pagh as Anna, secretary
Themes
The film uses a Kaspar Hauser-like fantasy premise to tell a modern-day story that deal with sensitive issues like racism and immigration with a sharp edge to it.
Accolades
Nikolaj Lie Kaas won the 2002 Robert Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role for his role as P.