Retro Film Review: Executive Protection (Livvakterna, 2001)
The action genre is arguably one of the last places where audiences can encounter a serious and thoughtful exploration of significant social, economic, and political issues, particularly those often overlooked by today's "infotainment" media. Sweden stands out as a rare exception, renowned for producing high-quality crime and action films centred around characters like Martin Beck and Carl Hamilton, who are crafted with a clear political or ideological agenda. It comes as no surprise then that certain Swedish action films aim to engage rather than belittle the intelligence of their viewers. One such example is Executive Protection, a 2001 film directed by Anders Nilsson.
Executive Protection is the second instalment in the Johan Falk series, featuring the eponymous maverick police detective from Gothenburg, portrayed by Jacob Eklund. The story unfolds as Johan attends the funeral of his adoptive father in rural Sweden, reconnecting with old acquaintances, including wealthy industrialist Sven Persson, played by Samuel Fröler. Sven seeks Johan's help due to a costly misstep in an investment in Estonia, making him a prime target for local gang extortion. Compounding matters, Sven's decision to enlist the services of German ex-STASI operative Nikolaus Lehman, portrayed by Christoph M. Ort, proves disastrous. As threats escalate against Sven and his family, Johan steps in to provide assistance, turning to his former colleagues in a private security firm. However, Lehman's cunning and ruthlessness exceed all expectations.
Despite its modest budget compared to Hollywood counterparts, Executive Protection distinguishes itself through its rural setting and restrained approach to action sequences and expendable characters. Director Nilsson's adept handling of the narrative compensates for the lack of typical thrills, maintaining a sense of assurance throughout the film until conventional tropes briefly surface towards the climax. The screenplay by Nilsson and Joakim Hansson unfolds gradually, allowing audiences to grasp its nuances while delivering commendable performances. Notably, the character of Pernilla, a female security specialist played by Alexandra Rapaport, appears somewhat contrived solely to justify casting choices.
Beyond its entertainment value, Executive Protection shines in its ability to weave an engaging narrative intertwined with social and political relevance. Through its characters, the film posits thought-provoking ideas about the aftermath of the Cold War and European integration, suggesting that post-Communist turmoil in Eastern Europe could potentially spill over into Western nations via globalisation channels. By exploring themes of street crime intertwined with crony capitalism, the movie offers a compelling perspective on contemporary issues surrounding European expansion and societal transformations.
At the end of the day, Executive Protection not only entertains but also stimulates discussions on pertinent socio-political topics within a gripping action-packed framework. Its nuanced storytelling and thematic depth make it a noteworthy addition to the genre landscape for both casual viewers and those engaged in broader debates on European unification.
RATING: 6/10 (++)
(Note: Original version of the review is available here.)
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