Manslaughter (2005 film)

Manslaughter (2005 film) is a Danish crime thriller film directed by Per Fly. The film is titled Drabet (meaning "The Killing" or "The Murder") in its original Danish. It is the second film in Fly's Denmark Trilogy, following The Bench (2000) and preceding Arven (2003).

The film centers on Carsten, a respected and popular high school teacher who becomes embroiled in a series of events that culminate in an accidental killing. Carsten is happily married with two children and leads a seemingly ordinary life. However, his growing frustration with his job, coupled with his increasing disillusionment with Danish society and politics, leads him down a destructive path.

When Carsten is involved in the accidental death of a young immigrant, he is arrested and charged with manslaughter. The film explores the moral and psychological complexities of Carsten's situation, examining the pressures he faces from his family, the legal system, and the media. It also raises questions about guilt, responsibility, and the nature of justice.

The film received critical acclaim for its powerful performances, particularly from Ulrich Thomsen as Carsten, and its unflinching portrayal of societal issues. Manslaughter explores themes of racism, integration, the limitations of the welfare state, and the disintegration of the individual in the face of overwhelming circumstances.