Up until late in the film, I was rather bored by this film. However, I am glad I stuck with it, as I really enjoyed the way the film concluded.
The film is set on a farm in Denmark and involves the Borgen family. They are in some ways a traditional family with traditional Danish religious values. The biggest non-traditional aspect of the family is John--the seemingly crazy member of the family. He happens to think he's Jesus!! Yet, despite this, his family loves him and they have no intention of placing him in an institution--and he seems harmless.
Several plot twists arise in the film. The first is a conflict between the more orthodox Borgens and the Peterson family, who are closer to charismatics in their Christian beliefs. When one of the Borgen boys wants to marry a Peterson girl, their families come into conflict--especially as the Peterson parents consider the Borgens to be damned for not sharing their exact beliefs. The other major twist is death and what happens next. I'd like to say more but can't as it would spoil the film. However, I was impressed how in an increasingly cynical world when it comes to religion that director Dreyer makes a film that is unashamedly religious and creates A LOT to talk about once the film has completed.
Overall, a very slow film but one that's worth watching. The acting is very good and the plot is just bizarre and creative--and, as I said, it makes you think. Odd but satisfying on so many levels.
The film is set on a farm in Denmark and involves the Borgen family. They are in some ways a traditional family with traditional Danish religious values. The biggest non-traditional aspect of the family is John--the seemingly crazy member of the family. He happens to think he's Jesus!! Yet, despite this, his family loves him and they have no intention of placing him in an institution--and he seems harmless.
Several plot twists arise in the film. The first is a conflict between the more orthodox Borgens and the Peterson family, who are closer to charismatics in their Christian beliefs. When one of the Borgen boys wants to marry a Peterson girl, their families come into conflict--especially as the Peterson parents consider the Borgens to be damned for not sharing their exact beliefs. The other major twist is death and what happens next. I'd like to say more but can't as it would spoil the film. However, I was impressed how in an increasingly cynical world when it comes to religion that director Dreyer makes a film that is unashamedly religious and creates A LOT to talk about once the film has completed.
Overall, a very slow film but one that's worth watching. The acting is very good and the plot is just bizarre and creative--and, as I said, it makes you think. Odd but satisfying on so many levels.