Pelle erobreren
(Pelle the Conqueror)

Sweden-Denmark (1987): Drama

This (film) demonstrates human emotions on a grand scale. It takes place around the turn of the century. A father (played by Max Von Sydow) and his son Pelle (played by Pelle Hvenegaard) are forced to travel from Sweden to Denmark in order to leave a life of poverty and despair. Pelle is only 12, his mother is dead, and his father is over 50. Only reluctantly does a farmer hire them (the father is too old, and the kid is too young). Little did they know that the life in Denmark was physically harsh and emotionally draining. Prejudice was common against the foreigners. Pelle is very dependent upon his emotionally weak father who will not defend his son and likes alcohol. In the end, Pelle demonstates his strength beyond most adult men.

This movie is directed and produced so clearly and accurately that it draws you into the the harsh, physically filthy and emotionally draining life on the farm. Since it is filmed over the course of about one year, you need not doubt that the georgous scenery is real. The blizzard, the ice, and the fields are real. In fact, Pelle Hvenegaard was named 12 years before the production after Pelle from the novel. Pelle is an uncommon Swedish name. His acting was so good that one forgets this was a movie. The ending put me in tears. Although it was somewhat predictable, it still packed an emotional punch. (L. Cama, Amazon.com)

· Best Foreign Language Film of the Year 1988: (Denmark) (Per Holst, producer)

· Actor 1988: Max von Sydow

2 nominations, 1 Award