The Five Obstructions

2003 · 1h28 · Film

Directed by Lars von Trier, Jørgen Leth

Starring Jørgen Leth, Lars von Trier, Claus Nissen, Majken Algren Nielsen, Daniel Hernandez Rodriguez, Jacqueline Arenal, Vivian Rosa, Patrick Bauchau, Alexandra Vandernoot, Marie Dejaer

Ideal when you feel… Curious

In 1967, experimental filmmaker Jorgen Leth created a striking short film, The Perfect Human, starring a man and women sitting in a box while a narrator poses questions about their relationship and humanity. Years later, Danish director Lars von Trier made a deal with Leth to remake his film five times, each under a different set of circumstances and with von Trier's strictly prescribed rules. As Leth completes each challenge, von Trier creates increasingly further elaborate stipulations.

Original title

De fem benspænd

Original language

Danish

Screenplay

Asger Leth, Jørgen Leth, Lars von Trier

Cinematography

Dan Holmberg, Asger Leth

Cast

Majken Algren Nielsen, Daniel Hernandez Rodriguez, Jacqueline Arenal, Vivian Rosa, Patrick Bauchau, Alexandra Vandernoot, Marie Dejaer, Pascal Perez, Meschell Perez

Updated July 22, 2026

Trailer

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