The Guardian Angel
A film by Arto Halonen
The Guardian Angel is a psychological thriller about a man who was suspected to use hypnosis to turn another man into a robber and a killer. Based on true events, the story follows the incredible investigation of these crimes as a young criminal investigator becomes obsessed with catching the psychological manipulator, in a battle of minds and wills.
Synopsis
The Guardian Angel is a psychological thriller about the astonishing hypnosis murders that took place in Denmark in the 1950s. Criminal investigator Anders Olsen (Pilou Asbæk) begins to solve a case in which a bank robber shoots two bank clerks and runs into the streets of Copenhagen with the money. When arrested, he claims to have committed the crime alone. Some eyewitnesses say the robber seemed to have been in a trance, which makes the case even more complicated and peculiar.
Olsen finds out that the accused has been in prison with the charismatic Björn Schow Nielsen (Josh Lucas) and begins to suspect that Nielsen had hypnotized his fellow inmate to commit the crime for him.
But could it be possible – and if so, how can the true perpetrator be caught? Olsen seeks help from a well-known psychiatrist specialized in hypnosis (Rade Šerbedžija), with whom Olsen delves deeper into the world of mental manipulation.
Absorbed in the criminal investigation, Olsen does not realize that the mysterious Nielsen has secretly befriended his young wife (Sara Soulié). Soon the mysterious case touches him closer than he could have imagined.
The new movie from director Arto Halonen (i.a. Princess, A Patriotic Man) is a psychological thriller based on an intriguing true story where the themes lead us to reflect on the influence of mind control in the present day: what manipulation can do and how far can it be taken?
The film features in lead roles the internationally acclaimed actors Pilou Asbæk (Game Of Thrones), Josh Lucas (Beautiful Mind, Sweet Home Alabama), Rade Šerbedžija (including Downton Abbey, Eyes Wide Shut), and Sara Soulié (Nymphs, Other Girls ).
Characters
PILOU ASBÆKas criminal investigator Anders Olsen |
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JOSH LUCASas Bjørn Schouw Nielsen |
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RADE ŠERBEDŽIJAas Dr. Max Dabrowski |
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SARA SOULIÉas Marie Olsen |
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CYRON MELVILLEas Palle Hardrup |
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CHRISTOPHER FULFORDas chief of police Thuesen |
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JOHANNES LASSENas police officer Petersen |
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PAMELA TOLAas police secretary Susi |
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MIKKO NOUSIAINENas brothel owner Mortensen |