Hele vejen (Crossing Lines) (2025) by Jahfar Muataz: A Reluctant Return to a Violent Past
- dailyentertainment95
- Aug 17
- 5 min read
Short Summary: A Vow Broken, A Search Begins Cairo, a former gangster turned gang exit counselor, is thrust back into the dangerous world he abandoned when his nephew, Hamza, vanishes without a trace. With police efforts stalled, Cairo makes a devastating choice: he will break his commitment to non-violence and re-enter Copenhagen's criminal underworld. His desperate search for Hamza becomes a perilous journey that forces him to confront his violent past and test his very ability to remain a good man.
Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt31852634/
Link to watch: https://viaplay.dk/store/hele-vejen-2024 (Denmark), https://viaplay.se/store/hele-vejen-2024 (Sweden), https://viaplay.no/store/crossing-lines-2024 (Norway), https://viaplay.fi/store/crossing-lines-2024 (Finland)
Detailed Summary: A Desperate Search in Copenhagen's Underbelly
The film, with a runtime of 1 hour and 43 minutes, follows Cairo, a former criminal who has rebuilt his life as a gang exit counselor, dedicating his time to helping others leave the world he once inhabited.
Cairo's stable life is upended when his young nephew, Hamza, mysteriously vanishes. The police, seemingly indifferent, leave Cairo with no option but to take matters into his own hands.
In his desperate search, Cairo learns that Hamza has fallen into the same criminal underworld he once controlled, and is now entangled with his former gang.
To find the boy, Cairo is forced to "cross the line" back into a dangerous and brutal reality. His journey tests his resolve and threatens to awaken the violent instincts he believed were long gone.
The film, set in Copenhagen, delves into the complex dynamics of the city's criminal scene, exploring the high personal cost of a life of crime and the enduring bonds of loyalty and family.
Director's Vision: The Danish Thriller with a Gritty Soul
Gritty Authenticity: Jahfar Muataz’s vision, shared with co-writer Babak Vakili, was to create a Danish crime drama that is unflinchingly authentic. Reviews highlight that he successfully portrays all facets of the criminal underworld—the violence, drama, emotions, and relationships.
Humanizing the Criminal World: The director focuses on creating a film that is not just a standard crime story, but a deeply personal narrative. By centering the story on Cairo, a character striving for redemption, Muataz explores the inner conflicts and humanity of those living in the criminal world.
Masterful Atmosphere: Muataz's direction is praised for creating a dark and intense atmosphere. The use of cinematography, lighting, and sound is noted as being "spot on," immersing the viewer in the fear and excitement of the narrative.
Themes: The Illusion of Change and Family Loyalty
The Fragility of a New Identity: The central theme is whether a person can truly escape their past. Cairo’s journey demonstrates how easily a reformed life can be undone by the pull of old ties and the desperate need to protect his family.
Intergenerational Trauma: The film explores the cyclical nature of violence as Cairo’s nephew, Hamza, falls into the same world Cairo tried to escape. This highlights the difficulty of breaking free from harmful environments and the legacy of trauma they leave behind.
The Cost of Living a Criminal Life: The movie vividly portrays the high price of a life of crime. It’s not just about violence and greed, but about the emotional and relational costs that are paid, as shown through the intense relationships and betrayals within the gang.
Key success factors: Superb Acting and a Gripping Plot
Powerful Lead Performances: The film is carried by its strong cast, with particular praise for the "amazing" acting of Afshin Firouzi as Cairo and Albert Arthur Amiryan as Saddam. Their intense portrayals of anger, empathy, and purposefulness were highlighted as a major strength.
Authentic Dialogue: A key success factor mentioned in reviews is the "spot on" lingo, which avoids cliché and provides a genuine feel for the criminal underworld.
Immersive Atmosphere: The direction, cinematography, and sound design are praised for creating a dark, suspenseful, and emotional environment that kept viewers on the edge of their seats.
Awards and Nominations: Early Festival and Press Recognition
The film has received early recognition on the festival circuit, including a nomination at the Göteborg Film Festival. The Danish press has also provided the film with many positive reviews, cementing its status as a notable debut for the director.
Critics Reception: A Polarized Response
The critical reception is highly polarized. One review calls the film a "disaster," criticizing the "cringeworthy" dialogue, "amateurish" acting, and a narrative that offers no hope, reinforcing fear. However, another user states that the film received "a lot of good reviews in the Danish press" and praises its plot and superior acting. This suggests a divide between critics, with some finding it a powerful, realistic portrayal and others finding it overly grim and poorly executed.
Reviews: Passionate Praise and Disappointment
The film has a very mixed response from audiences, reflected in its IMDb rating of 7.1 from 239 users and highly varied reviews.
Positive: Viewers praise the film as "one of the best gang movies ever made in Denmark," highlighting its deep and well-built story, excellent acting, and exciting scenes. Many expressed a desire for a sequel.
Negative: Some viewers expressed disappointment, calling it an "Arabic film" rather than a "Danish crime drama." The film was criticized for its "unfathomable persons," thin plot, and for painting a sad, bleak picture of Denmark's future.
Why to recommend movie: For a Gritty and Emotional Story
For a New Twist on a Classic Genre: Hele vejen offers a fresh take on the crime thriller, blending a gritty, realistic style with a deeply emotional and personal story of family.
To See a Powerful Debut: This film is the feature-length debut of director Jahfar Muataz, who has been praised for his masterful direction and a clear, artistic vision.
For an Authentic Portrayal: If you're looking for a crime film that feels real, with authentic dialogue and characters that are complex and compelling, this is a great choice.
Movie Trend: The Urban Gangster Drama
The film fits squarely into the rising trend of urban gangster dramas, which focus on authentic, grounded portrayals of criminal subcultures. This trend moves away from stylized action and instead uses realistic dialogue, social commentary, and a strong sense of place to tell a compelling story. It follows in the footsteps of acclaimed Danish series like Bedrag (Follow the Money) and other European thrillers.
Social Trend: The Search for a New Identity
The movie taps into the powerful and relevant social trend of identity and belonging in multicultural societies. The film explores the challenges faced by individuals caught between different cultures and societal expectations, as seen through Cairo's struggle to find a new identity outside of the criminal world. It reflects a wider conversation about rehabilitation and the difficulties of reintegration into society.
Final Verdict: A Polarizing but Powerful First Film
Hele vejen (Crossing Lines) is a powerful and polarizing film that marks a notable debut for director Jahfar Muataz. While its grim subject matter and authentic dialogue may not appeal to all audiences, its strong performances, gripping plot, and unflinching look at Copenhagen's criminal underworld make it a compelling and important film. Its mixed reception highlights its bold and uncompromising style, making it a must-watch for those who appreciate gritty realism and are not afraid of a film that leaves them with a sense of "bottomless sadness."
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