Educational Media Reviews Online

With opening views of beautiful scenery, this film starts as a Denmark travelogue, then quickly moves into its main focus: Danish cheeses. Narrator Will Studd, an affable tour guide, takes viewers around the country as he talks about the cheeses of Denmark to cheese-makers, dairy farmers, a baker, a restaurateur, and others involved in this business. From the small island of Bornholm to the big city of Copenhagen, the variety of places and people having to do with Danish cheese-making keeps the film moving and interesting. Many behind-the-scenes shots of the cheese-making process appear on screen, as our narrator/tour guide puts on a white coat and other gear to enter workplaces and interview people, and as he talks knowledgeably about the taste, texture, and look of various cheeses. The film shows many views of steel equipment, computers, and assembly lines, as well as wonderful close-ups of cheeses being spread or sliced.

The visuals of this film entice the eye, as the varieties of cheese, the green fields, and the blue skies make for a colorful visual effect. Background music is light and upbeat, not intrusive to the conversations and narrator's dialogue.

A strong sense of environmentalism comes through, with a visit to an organic farm, talk of eating locally, and some discussion on how animals are treated. The film gives a good view of how cheese fits in with the new Nordic food as it introduces viewers to the makers of artisanal cheeses.

Cheeses of Denmark, one selection in Landmark Media's series Cheese Slices, would be most useful for students in culinary school or those taking college courses in geography or culinary arts. Public libraries might also consider purchasing for those patrons who enjoy viewing travel films or for "foodies" who like to learn about the cuisine of other countries.

Recommended.