Watch Riders of Justice

Riders of Justice is a Danish action-comedy film released in 2020, directed by Anders Thomas Jensen and starring Mads Mikkelsen, Nikolaj Lie Kaas, Andrea Heick Gadeberg, Lars Brygmann, and Nicolas Bro. The film premiered on the 12th of November 2020 in Denmark and was released on May 21, 2021, in the USA. The movie follows Markus (Mikkelsen), a military veteran who returns home after his wife dies in a train crash, leaving him to care for their teenage daughter, Mathilde (Gadeberg). When Markus discovers some evidence that suggests the accident might not have been an accident after all, he seeks revenge on the people responsible.

At first, Markus is skeptical about the situation, but after his daughter's friend Otto (Kaas) shows him some data indicating that a group of thugs called the 'Riders of Justice' were involved in his wife's death, Markus is convinced that he has to take action. However, he is not alone in his quest, as Otto is joined by fellow computer nerds Lennart (Brygmann) and Emmenthaler (Bro), who share their skills and knowledge with Markus to help him track down the perpetrators.

The movie balances gritty, action-packed scenes with comic and absurd moments, due in part to the eclectic mix of characters that make up the Riders of Justice team. Markus is a tough, no-nonsense ex-soldier with a gruff exterior, while Otto is a socially awkward, data-obsessed statistician with a penchant for conspiracy theories. Meanwhile, Lennart and Emmenthaler are tech geniuses who provide valuable support from behind the scenes. The dynamic between these characters is entertaining and helps to add some levity to what could have been a very dark and violent film.

The action scenes are intense and well-choreographed, with Mikkelsen delivering his usual stoic, badass performance. Despite being a 'hard man,' Markus is a character who is dealing with pain and grief, and the film does a good job of exploring his emotional journey as he seeks justice for his wife. There are moments of anguish, moments of catharsis, and moments of joy throughout the movie, and each one feels authentic.

The themes of Riders of Justice are ones that are prevalent in many modern action movies, such as the corrupt nature of the justice system, the dangers of extremism, and the importance of teamwork. However, the movie explores these themes in a way that feels fresh and engaging. For example, the computer nerds' 'outsider' perspective allows them to attack the criminal underworld from a different angle, highlighting the importance of diverse perspectives in problem-solving.

Overall, Riders of Justice is an enjoyable, well-made action movie that balances its serious themes with comedic moments and compelling characters. The performances are strong, the action is thrilling, and the story is engaging. The film has been widely praised by critics, with many calling it one of the best Danish movies in recent years. If you're a fan of Mikkelsen's work, or you're looking for an action movie that's a little bit different, then Riders of Justice is definitely worth a watch.

Riders of Justice is a 2021 action movie. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.5 and a MetaScore of 81.