Go on, try a little – you’ll like it…

"Pusher"
Rated MA, out now on DVD

If this tale of drug dealers, henchmen and hookers had been produced in America, the actors would all be rappers and second-string tough guys, and chances are you’d be bored with it halfway through.
Good thing it was made in Denmark, then, with a convincing cast and compelling storyline that doesn’t waste time on posturing or one-liners.
So let’s get into it.
Frank (Kim Bodnia) is a small-time dealer who owes his supplier Miro (Zlatko Buric) 50 grand after getting short-changed on a sale.
He convinces Miro to advance him more product, then sets up an even bigger deal to clear his debt. But when the police intervene, Frank’s forced to do a runner and manages to lose the heroin, the dough and 24 hours while in lock-up.
Now he’s desperate. The crime boss has started adding interest and it won’t be long before the heavies stop playing nice.
The only people on Frank’s side are his mate Tonny (Mads Mikkelsen), who may have blabbed to the cops, and his sort-of girlfriend Vic (Laura Drasbaek), a prostitute who seems more concerned for her sick dog.
They’re no help, but Frank’s biggest enemy’s himself. When he’s not in total denial and clubbing the night away, he’s frantically hustling, doing someone over or double-crossing in pursuit of the cash.
It’s a riveting ride. Just don’t expect to see everything resolved by the end of the movie as "Pusher"’s the first part in a trilogy.