Discover the intricate plot of Pusher (1999). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
Milo, a seasoned Serbian drug lord, finds himself grappling with the challenges of sobriety as he attends a Narcotics Anonymous meeting. This five-days-clean Milo openly expresses his concerns about the pressure of preparing for his daughter Milena’s 25th birthday party, fearing it may push him back to his old habits. After the meeting, he meets up with his henchman, Branko, to pick up a drug shipment. However, instead of the expected heroin, they receive a staggering 10,000 ecstasy pills. In search of clarity, Milo confronts his Albanian supplier, Luan, who informs him that a new heroin shipment will be sent, while also allowing him to attempt selling the ecstasy.
Following a tense conversation with his demanding daughter, Milena, who exhibits her spoiled nature, Milo heads back to his club to prepare a feast for the party. He insists that his henchmen taste his cooking, and later encounters his associate, Little Muhammed, who arrives to deliver his daily goods. An arrogant Muhammed boasts about his status as the “King of Copenhagen,” but Milo retorts with a mocking nickname, calling him the “King Kong of Copenhagen.” As Milo struggles with his lack of knowledge about ecstasy, he reluctantly relies on Muhammed to find a buyer for the pills. However, after all his henchmen fall ill from his cooking, Milo is left with no choice but to trust Muhammed to handle the sale independently.
During the course of the party, Milo juggles between socializing with guests, finishing up the meal, and trying to reach the elusive Muhammed. While attempting to buy wine from an underground shop, he discovers that Milena’s boyfriend, Mike, is actually a drug dealer. Milo confronts Mike, compelling him to become his exclusive supplier while bartering with Milena over price. In a twist of fate, he encounters Kurt the Cunt, a lesser dealer, who provides him with heroin. Pressured to the breaking point, Milo succumbs and smokes some of the drug. With no word from Muhammed after four agonizing hours, he resorts to contacting a corrupt cop for assistance.
When Milo visits Luan to confess he lost the ecstasy and requests more time for payment, the Albanians enforce an unwelcome partnership to remedy the situation. Turning his club’s kitchen into an illicit meeting area, he meets Rexho, an Albanian thug, and a Polish pimp who arrive to discuss the sale of a young girl into sex work. Disgusted, Milo attempts to dissociate himself from the transaction, only to be marginalized by Rexho, who demands Milo wait on them. The pimp even tricks Milo into ingesting speed as a sick joke.
The plan to sell the girl to local brothel owner Jeanette falls through when she refuses to take her due to suspicions of her age. In a moment of empathy, Milo offers the girl a slice of his daughter’s birthday cake, learning that it is also her birthday. As chaos ensues when Rexho leaves, the girl tries to escape, but when the furious pimp pours boiling water on her hand, Milo snaps. Overcome with rage, he brutally kills the pimp with a hammer and waits for Rexho, whom he also kills upon arrival. The corrupt officer later delivers a badly injured Muhammed in his car trunk, cautioning Milo not to harm him further.
Desperate, Milo turns to his former friend and ex-henchman, Radovan, who now runs a thriving Kebab restaurant. Radovan agrees to assist Milo one last time, helping him to extract the truth from Muhammed, who reveals that the ecstasy pills were actually counterfeit. After stashing Muhammed in a freezer to manage the situation, Milo and Radovan work together to dispose of the two corpses. As dawn breaks, Milo returns to the tranquility of his home, engaging in a quiet conversation with Milena, who queries his absence during the festivities before heading to bed. He finishes the evening by stepping outside, silently smoking a cigarette while staring into the emptiness of his swimming pool, lost in thought.
Track the key events of Pusher (1999) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Milo's Sobriety Challenge
Milo, a seasoned Serbian drug lord, attends a Narcotics Anonymous meeting, marking a significant attempt to embrace sobriety. During the meeting, he expresses his anxiety about remaining clean while preparing for his daughter's upcoming birthday party.
Unexpected Drug Shipment
After the NA meeting, Milo meets with his henchman, Branko, to collect a drug shipment. However, instead of heroin, they are shocked to find themselves in possession of 10,000 ecstasy pills, creating a dilemma for Milo.
Confrontation with Supplier
In search of clarity regarding the ecstasy, Milo confronts his Albanian supplier Luan. Luan informs Milo that a new shipment of heroin will arrive while also suggesting that Milo could sell the ecstasy to make a profit.
Party Preparations
Milo returns to his club to prepare a feast for his daughter Milena's 25th birthday party. While cooking, he insists that his henchmen taste his dishes, setting the stage for culinary chaos.
Encounter with Little Muhammed
Milo meets his associate Little Muhammed, who boasts about being the 'King of Copenhagen.' Milo, clearly annoyed, mocks him with a nickname of his own, but eventually must rely on Muhammed to help sell the ecstasy pills.
Henchmen Fall Ill
After tasting Milo's food, all of his henchmen fall ill, leaving Milo in a precarious predicament. With nobody to assist him, he faces the reality of handling the drug sale on his own, further escalating his anxiety.
Confronting Milena's Boyfriend
During the party, Milo discovers that Milena's boyfriend, Mike, is a drug dealer. He confronts Mike and pressures him to become his exclusive supplier, showcasing his controlling nature as a father.
Descent into Drugs
As the party continues and the pressure mounts, Milo succumbs to his addiction, smoking heroin. This marks a significant turning point as he reveals his vulnerability and struggle with sobriety.
Desperate for Help
After waiting for hours without contact from Muhammed, Milo resorts to calling a corrupt cop for help. This desperation highlights the depths of his predicament and the lengths he is willing to go for survival.
Illegal Transactions
While meeting Luan again, Milo is forced into an unwelcome partnership to deal with the fallout of the lost ecstasy. This encounter leads to a dark meeting involving a Polish pimp and plans for selling a young girl into sex work.
Milo's Empathy
During a chaotic attempted deal, Milo's empathy surfaces when he learns that the girl they plan to sell shares a birthday with his daughter. This moment softens his hardened exterior and begins to shift his priorities.
Brutal Violence
Milo's rage ignites after witnessing a brutal act against the girl. In a moment of fury, he kills the pimp with a hammer, showcasing the depths of his moral conflict and the violent undercurrents of his life.
Cleaning Up the Mess
After the violent confrontation, Milo seeks help from his former ally Radovan to dispose of the bodies. Their collaboration emphasizes Milo's desperation as he navigates the treacherous circumstances surrounding him.
Returning to Normalcy
As dawn breaks, Milo returns home where he has a quiet conversation with Milena. This moments of calm contrasts sharply with the chaos of the last few hours, leaving Milo in deep reflection.
Lost in Thought
After spending some time with Milena, Milo steps outside to smoke a cigarette. He gazes into the emptiness of his swimming pool, symbolizing his emotional turmoil and the isolation he feels despite being surrounded by people.
Meet the characters that bring Pusher (1999) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Milo
Milo is a seasoned Serbian drug lord caught in a whirlwind of personal and professional dilemmas. As he prepares for his daughter's birthday, he battles his sobriety and the challenges of maintaining his criminal operations. His character reveals a complexity beyond his tough exterior, showcasing vulnerability and a desperate desire for redemption.
Milena
Milena is Milo's daughter, whose 25th birthday party serves as a pivotal event in the film. Her entitled behavior and demanding nature highlight the strain in her relationship with her father. As Milo navigates their complicated dynamics, Milena is portrayed as both a source of motivation and frustration in his life.
Branko
Branko is Milo's loyal henchman, who assists him in the drug trade. His character embodies the loyalty often found in criminal enterprises, yet he is caught in the chaos of their operations. Branko represents the consequences of Milo's choices, as he becomes embroiled in the unfolding turmoil.
Luan
Luan is Milo's Albanian supplier, managing the drug shipments that complicate Milo's life. He imposes additional burdens on Milo, forcing him to navigate precarious and morally questionable dealings. Luan's character illustrates the challenges of trust and partnership in the criminal world.
Little Muhammed
Little Muhammed is an arrogant drug dealer who initially flaunts his status in the Copenhagen underworld. His character serves as a foil to Milo, pushing him to the limits and complicating the drug deal. Despite his bravado, he reflects the precarious nature of their business relationships.
Uncover the settings of Pusher (1999), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
The events of 'Pusher' unfold over the span of a few days, building up to Milena's 25th birthday party. Within this timeframe, the film explores the intensity and chaos surrounding Milo’s life as a drug lord while he grapples with both personal and professional challenges. The time period reflects modern-day issues of addiction, crime, and family dynamics.
Location
Copenhagen
Copenhagen, the vibrant capital of Denmark, serves as the backdrop for the film 'Pusher.' It is known for its bustling nightlife, diverse culture, and culinary scene, which plays a significant role in the plot as Milo navigates through various establishments. The city contrasts the underground drug trade with its more visible and celebratory aspects, especially during Milena's birthday party.
Explore the core themes of Pusher (1999). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Struggle
The theme of struggle is prevalent as Milo battles his addiction while trying to fulfill his responsibilities as a father. His journey reveals the internal and external conflicts he faces, often torn between his criminal life and his desire for a better future for his daughter. The narrative exemplifies the harsh reality of addiction and its impact on relationships.
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Morality
Morality plays a significant role as Milo's decisions lead him deeper into a world of violence and crime. His moment of empathy for the young girl highlights the moral dilemmas he encounters, questioning whether he can redeem himself amidst the chaos. The film challenges viewers to consider the fine line between right and wrong in desperate circumstances.
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Identity
Identity is explored through the character of Milo, who grapples with his roles as a drug lord and a father. The pressure of societal expectations and familial bonds forces him to confront who he truly is amidst his chaotic lifestyle. The film effectively depicts the duality of his existence, as he strives to protect his daughter while being entrenched in a criminal underworld.
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