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Danish Crime Unit Reimagined for Modern Cinema
6 Feb
Summary
- The series reinvents a real Danish elite crime unit from 1927-2002.
- It explores investigations before DNA analysis, focusing on early fingerprinting.
- A sequel is already in development following the film's cinema success.

Special Unit - The First Murder brings the legendary Danish Rejsehold unit to the big screen. Operating from 1927 to 2002, this elite group assisted local police with challenging cases across the country. The film stars Alex Høgh Andersen as Otto Himmelstrup, the unit's first chief, alongside Mathilde Arcel and Nicolaj Kopernikus.
The movie delves into criminal investigations from a bygone era, specifically focusing on the period before DNA analysis and at the dawn of fingerprinting. Director Boe aimed to capture the intrigue of early forensic science, contrasting it with modern investigative methods. The narrative also explores universal themes of sex, money, and murder, set against a historical Danish backdrop.
Initial screenings show strong audience reception in Danish cinemas, paving the way for future installments. Director Boe has confirmed that a sequel is in development, with storylines already mapped out for further films exploring the unit's cases and the investigators' interactions. This expansion suggests a franchise is being built around the Special Unit's compelling history.




