The Black Pimpernel (2007) User Reviews

Was Ana in Germany?

[gareththackeray · 6/10 · 1 June 2008]

OK I just watched this (in Costa Rica - I'm glad the Swedes spoke English to each other but I forgot that the Spanish would not get subtitled in English! Fortunately there wasn't too much Spanish that was very important to the plot) and maybe I'm dumb but there were a couple of things I didn't quite understand.

Ana knew about the Harald's past in Germany in the war. And it seemed to be indicated that she was or knew the daughter of the opera singer that Harald had been having a relationship with. Is this the case? And if not, then what was all that about? Secondly, how did Harald know about Ana's father being the colonel? Any answers appreciated.

Disappointing Pimpernel

[stensson · 4/10 · 22 September 2007]

Harald Edelstam was ambassador of Sweden in Chile during the Pinochet rebellion. He saved many people from the junta and also took considerable personal risks. He's worth a movie.

But a better one than this. First, it's always ridiculous hearing Swedes talking English to each other. That makes the picture less trustworthy from the beginning. Second, it's not very well acted and the characters are very square. This is more of a drama for TV than for a big screen.

It's a pity, because this is an important subject about morality and personal responsibility. But you don't get interested.

Fantastic Movie! Absolutely Great!

[henrikhenkebenke · 9/10 · 29 September 2007]

This movie is really good and I strongly recommend it! It has a realistic feel over it(I know, The Sweds speak English to each other

but frankly I don't care, and Im Swedish)!

Harald Edelstam was a true hero and its all very clear in this film.

Sometimes it could be difficult to understand but it not that often.

So if you feel like seeing a really good movie, go see this one! Its an

Important movie who shows the heroic deeds of a true hero.

Its actually one of the best Swedish films i've ever seen! Finally the Swed's know how to make a big screen movie!

Its worth the money.

An important story of courage for our times

[sduarte-1 · 8/10 · 23 February 2008]

The Black Pimpernel was a surprise to me because it is a rare (and true) story of political courage. An unconventional and savvy Swedish ambassador driven by a sense of justice seeks to save lives during the fascist coup in Chile that replaces Salvador Allende with Augusto Pinochet. The ambassador places the Cuban embassy under the protection of the Swedish embassy, gives refuge to hundreds of people, helps some get out of the country, and falls in love with a female revolutionary. He takes risks no ordinary diplomatic functionary would take, uses his diplomatic immunity to smuggle people to safety, enters dangerous zones controlled by soldiers and challenges them, risking his own life. Ambassador Edelstam seemed to know exactly what to do in dealing with the new fascist regime. His unwavering courage and allegiance to human rights and decency is comparable to that of William Wiburforce, the abolitionist in the movie Amazing Grace. The Black Pimpernel was perfectly believable and kept my partner and I on the edge of our seats.

We need More of Edelstam in the world

[khaledabedalghany · 9/10 · 20 February 2022]

I still do not understand the neglect of the film (The Black Pimpernel) in Sweden.

It is based on the true story of the heroic ambassador Harald Edelstam who acted on his own in Chile in 1974-1979 and saved about 1000 people from certain death.

The ambassador's story and his morals must be learned and we should build a monument to this hero.

A Swedish policy maker who I really miss in todays Sweden... #Agera #Engagera #TaAnsvar #Act #engage #TakeResponsibility.

What a hero!

[tildiz149 · 8/10 · 24 October 2023]

Harald Edelstam. What a hero! I´m trying to imagine how much courage, determination and compassion he must have had. He actually didn´t have to help all of those people, but he chose to do it anyway. I don´t know how much fiction there is in this movie, but if almost everything is true, I must say that I really admire Edelstam. He inspires me to be a better human.

I don´t know how many languages Edelstam spoke. But he must have spoken Spanish. I would have liked to hear more Swedish and Spanish. There wasn´t much of those languages. "The Black Pimpernel" mostly uses English. But it would have been more logic to mostly use Swedish and Spanish.

Some scenes could also have included a bit more clarity. And where is Edelstam´s wife and children? It would have been interesting to see them. I can recommend this movie. It made a truly memorable impression on me.