Ulvepigen Tinke (2002)

Director:

Morten Køhlert

Writers:

Cecil Bødker (novel)
Morten Køhlert (writer)

Release Date:

14 June 2002 (Denmark)

Genre:

Family

Plot:

Denmark 1850. Tinke, a 9-year-old orphan from the wilderness, struggles to find her unknown, rich grandparents...

Plot Keywords:

1850s | Grandparents | Orphan | Young Girl | Children

Awards:

3 wins & 3 nominations

Cast

Sarah Juel Werner	...	Tinke
Peter Jeppe Hansen	...	Larus
Lisbet Dahl	...	Madmor
Erik Wedersøe	...	Husbond
Birthe Neumann	...	Elisabeth
Bent Mejding	...	Hermann
Jonas Oscarsson	...	Hartad
Kjeld Nørgaard	...	Sogneforged
Arne Anton Faxhøj	...	Emil
Karin Rørbeck	...	Martha
Morten Nørby	...	Torkil
Trine Pallesen	...	Sophie
Lotte Andersen	...	Louise
Pelle Koppel	...	Erik
Sarah Boberg	...	Astrid

Also Known As:

Little Big Girl (Europe: English title)
Tinke (Sweden)
Ulvens datter (Denmark) (working title)

Runtime:

93 min | Netherlands:92 min

Country:

Denmark | Sweden

Language:

Danish

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Certification:

Denmark:7 | Sweden:7

Company:

ASA Film Produktion ApS

Charming

This Danish tale captures the bond of childhood friendship like no other. Tinke and Larus show us the true unrestrained nature of a growing friendship and the personal connection resulting. Their relationship is extremely well explored and conveyed in a way that actions and interactions give way to an underlying appreciation that is almost purposely left in the background.

The story itself is sweet, funny and cute. The fairytale undercurrents, which have labeled the film almost exclusively as a family film in Denmark (to M.Køhlert's regret), are no real deterrent to a mature adult viewer. The director in fact tried hard to make sure that this movie would in no way be restricted or even geared prominently towards children audience. He struck a nice balance. This could very well be a slightly eccentric drama that happens to have children as main characters.

The two actors, pulled from a large casting call, are in fact the life of the movie. Excellent, excellent work from these young lads. Sarah Juel Werner shines through and through, and Peter Jeppe Hansen does a magnifical job in perhaps the hardest role of the two. Real tears, real smiles, real emotions. The innocence of first time actors. In fact, the director spend more time just being close to them (playing, bringing them to McDonald's, talking,...) than actual rehearsing. It took an average of 5 to 6 takes.

Køhlert did an outstanding job with the material. The screenplay adapted from Cecil Bødker's novel is very tight. No unnecessary moments. Ends on a high note. Humour maintained throughout. Engrossing and charming. The directing was kept simple. Very effective. Let the actors show their craft. Let the script tell the story. Keep the camera close to the actors so you could be there experiencing the film with them (character association).

This movie should enchant you by its candor and life. By the light humor and the many touching moments. Bring your kids if you want, but don't go see it for them, see it for yourself!!

Morten Køhlert's real first feature (we can forget "Under overfladen (1999)" contract-for-money affair with no personal involvement or creative liberty), he comes out as an excellent director and great person. He is by far the friendliest and down-to-earth director I have ever had the chance to meet. Curious. Eyes wide open. Frank and modest. He told me he's currently working on a thriller/drama. I wish him an abundance of international and personal success.

First time in North America, he loves Montreal. He's says he feels like he's in a movie (not quite, but you made a great one). Hope he'll be back.