Eyebrows were raised across the country and the words “I never would have thought” uttered repeatedly this week after Danish comedy ‘Superclásico’ was shortlisted for an Oscar in the Best Foreign Film category.

Directed by Ole Christian Madsen and staring Paprika Steen, ‘Superclásico’ tells the story of Christian and his wife Anna, who left him. With Anna now leading a life of luxury in Buenos Aires, Christian boards a plane to see her under the pretense of getting their divorce papers signed, but in truth he plans to win her back.

‘Superclásico’ received mixed reviews both here and abroad when released last March. Critics said the storyline was too predictable and the characters under-developed.

Journalist Stephen Farber from The Hollywood Reporter said it was a surprise to see a film like this shortlisted.

“Most of the movies submitted for the foreign-language Oscar tend to be weighty dramas, ‘Superclásico’ is probably too lightweight to make it to the Oscar ceremony,” he wrote.

Madsen on the other hand believes his film stands a decent chance of getting through.

“The reactions in Palm Springs and Los Angeles have been overwhelming … and the audience has generously embraced the film,” he said.

Films from sixty-three countries were submitted to be shortlisted. Nine have made it through to the shortlist, which will be whittled down to five on Tuesday.