Pelle Eroebreren (1987) (aka Pelle the Conqueror)

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Pelle Eroebreren (1987)
(aka Pelle the Conqueror)

In a film notable for its emotional resonance and characters Max von Sydow emerges as an outstandingly natural and believable figure. Pelle the Conqueror revolves around Lasse Karlssom (Max von Sydow) and his son Pelle (Pelle Hvenegaard) as they struggle to survive in Denmark after having emigrated from Sweden. This change of location is prompted by the earlier death of Pelle's mother together with the belief that life will be sweeter elsewhere, a motif echoed by the desire to drink coffee in bed on a Sunday morning. Unfortunately Lasses' age puts off many potential employers and they are forced to take the first offer, that of looking after the cows at a remote farm.

The story carries us through the next few years as Pelle grows and forms dreams of his own, principally escaping to America in an echo of his fathers choice. The characters on the farm are completely plausible, each separate incident molding Pelle's upbringing, from the sudden emasculation of the farm- owner to the doomed romance of one of the local girls. As their integration becomes more complete Lasse pines for security and a new wife, which leads to the pivotal moments when Pelle realises that he must eventually leave to form his own destiny.

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