Flemming Grothe, the chairman of the national cleft lip and palate association, has accused the makers of 'Mænd & høns' (men and hens) of creating a denigrating image of people with cleft palates.
Currently at cinemas, the film tells the story of five half-brothers afflicted by the condition, and Grothe contends that this will send the wrong message to children.
Children are vulnerable
“The main characters describe themselves and each other as freaks and ugly – not normal – and I see this as a comment on their cleft palate,” he told Politiken.
Grothe fears the representation will impact on children with the condition, as they are the most prone to be discriminated against or feel inferior because of their physical appearance.
Good reviews so far
Nevertheless, the movie has gathered positive reviews in the national media despite some grotesque scenes featuring animal sex.
"It is a crazy mix of horror, Gothic and sensitive drama. The brothers are so fragile and at the same time so monstrous people," one of its actors, Nicolas Bro, told Information.
Along with fellow cast members Mads Mikkelsen and Nikolaj Lie Kaas, Bro has appeared in several of director Anders Thomas Jensen’s films, including 'De grønne slagtere' and 'Adams æbler'.
