Tonny is released from prison - again. This time he has his mind set on changing his broken down life, but that is easier said than done.
Where to Watch Pusher II
- lennyofficialJuly 23, 2026A significant and deeply felt continuation of the debut film. The narrative centers primarily on Tonny—the friend who used to run around and handle business with Frank in the first installment, right up until their relationship hit a breaking point following a brutal beating. In this second chapter, were it not for Milo—a character who bridges the two films—we would know absolutely nothing about Frank; indeed, he is mentioned only once. Tonny is the film's true and sole protagonist; fresh out of prison, he wants to get back in the game and turn his life around, especially now that he has become a father. He attempts this through his father's garage—a business that appears honest on the surface but is actually a front for criminal activity, specifically car theft and resale. To make matters worse, Tonny has the misfortune of befriending and going into business with Kurt. Kurt ruins the very deal he proposed to Tonny, dragging him into his own chaotic mess and landing him in serious trouble. A series of violent events ensues, taking a heavy toll on the protagonist, who is constantly belittled and dismissed as a stupid, spineless drug addict. This—the constant sense of insecurity and the relentless assault on Tonny’s character—is the film's greatest strength. Removed from his criminal environment, he likely never would have become who he is; he never commits crimes with cold-bloodedness or enjoyment, but rather—while high or under the influence—simply to put food on the table. The pressure mounting against him intensifies as the story unfolds, culminating in his escape with his child—a symbol of rebirth and the future. He leaves his tumultuous past behind, not by destroying everything in his path, but simply by choosing to change. The direction in this feature film is decidedly more polished and refined; the lighting is more carefully considered—particularly in the club scenes, where it takes on a psychedelic quality that mirrors Tonny’s constant state of intoxication. The framing, meanwhile, feels more conventional—though it never lapses into a rote, formulaic approach—while still making use of handheld camerawork. Mads Mikkelsen’s performance is, once again, superlative and extraordinary; he perfectly embodies the true core of Tonny—a man wounded and torn apart by the world around him. Ultimately, this chapter portrays a deeply human tragedy with the same raw, realistic brutality as the first, without ever letting the sordid criminal setting overshadow the human element. Truly a magnificent sequel...
- BurnharmJuly 3, 2026Like the first *Pusher*, this sequel has a magnetic quality. Once you're pulled into its world, it's difficult to escape. The film traps you in Tonny's perspective, making you feel every bad decision, every failed attempt to earn respect, and every moment of desperation. What sets *Pusher II* apart is its emotional core. While it keeps the raw, documentary-like realism of the original, it builds much stronger empathy for its protagonist. Mads Mikkelsen gives a remarkably natural performance, making Tonny feel less like a typical criminal and more like someone desperately searching for approval and a chance to become a better person. I'm still not sure whether it's better than the first film. The original feels more immediate and relentless, while *Pusher II* is more reflective and character-driven. Rather than trying to outdo its predecessor, it expands the same world from a different perspective, proving that the trilogy isn't really about crime as much as it is about people trapped by their own circumstances. Whether it's the stronger film is difficult to say, but it's every bit as compelling, and once again Nicolas Winding Refn creates a world that feels painfully authentic.
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Pusher II was released on December 25, 2004.
Pusher II was directed by Nicolas Winding Refn.
Pusher II has a runtime of 1h 40m.
Pusher II was produced by Nicolas Winding Refn, Henrik Danstrup.
Tonny is released from prison - again. This time he has his mind set on changing his broken down life, but that is easier said than done.
The key characters in Pusher II are Tonny (Mads Mikkelsen), Smeden (Leif Sylvester), Charlotte (Anne Sørensen).
Pusher II is rated Not Rated.
Pusher II is a Drama, Action, Crime film.
Pusher II has an audience rating of 8.5 out of 10.
Pusher II has made $38,928 at the box office.