A struggling farmer in 19th-century Denmark must go against his morals and make a deal with a wealthy neighbour in order to secure his family’s survival over a harsh winter.
Great danish 18th century noir. I think that is the best way to describe it. Simple story where we follow Jens who have fallen on hard times, but starts a scheme to get his daughter Signe married to the rich swedish landowner. The movie ask a simple question how far will you go to do the best for your family. The film should be boring on paper, but with a rough aesthetics made with the use of handheld cinematography and predominant use of closeup, and great editing the movie creates a suspenseful story. But still great dark panoramas of the danish nature finds its way to the screen. Its dark, sad and immensely beautiful. Most of the scenes are lit with only candles and naturalistic light, which builds another layer on the rough aesthetics. All this creates a grim, rough and dirty movie. The movie is carried by the great performances of Jesper Christen. His facial expression and his delivery of lines makes him a man we can relate to. I can't praise him enough. Its a really wel
