So we caught the Danish contribution De Gronne Slagtere (The Green Butchers), which was an absolute hoot! If you have a particularly sick sense of humour and penchant for black comedy, then don't miss this. I went in without even knowing the film's synopsis, but like my company, thoroughly enjoyed the sickeningly twisted storyline (very reminiscent of Dahl) and characters' deadpan humour. Without spoilers, the film is about two butchers who get together to start up their own shop that finds popularity in the small Danish town by an unfortunate accident. But what makes this seemingly ordinary plot so special? Let's just say it might be enough to make you want to become a vegetarian. (And to think I went and bought a steak & kidney pie to munch on after! x_X)

Hyped up from the first good two hours, we decided to go back again to catch the next one. Being a fan of French films, I never liked to miss their contributions to any film festivals (they're up on my list next to the Spaniards). Le Couperet was definitely not disappointing. Just don't assume it's some gruesome slasher film like we thought it was from the easily misleading English translation of the title - The Axe.

After two years of being laid off, a frustrated middle-management executive takes fate into his own hands by eliminating his competition to get the job he wants. Bear in mind, he never used an axe in the film at all. It was just all about how he coped after getting the ax!

As dramatic crime-thrillers go, Le Couperet adds a lifelike comedic element to its leading character's mission throughout the film. One of the things I've always enjoyed about European films. They always seem to take a slice out of life and tell you a story realistic enough to believe and empathize with the characters. And that includes their sense of humour. No more formulaic Hollywood flicks for me please. Just give me sick butchers and serial axed employees anytime!

Oh, and if you're planning to give the EUFF a shot, but don't think you can bear the balancing act of watching foreigners while reading subtitles... Go watch Danny Boyle's Millions. Trust me, you'll have unadulterated fun!