Tro, håb og kærlighed (1984)

Denmark, 1963: Teenagers Bjørn and Erik are into girls and being in a band helps Bjørn meet Anna. Erik likes Kirsten but she likes Bjørn. Having a mentally ill mom at home also ruins Erik's chances. Anna's pregnancy changes everything.

Director:

Bille August

Writers:

Bjarne Reuter, Bille August

Stars:

Adam Tønsberg, Lars Simonsen, Camilla Søeberg

5 wins & 1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Adam Tønsberg	...	Bjørn
Lars Simonsen	...	Erik
Camilla Søeberg	...	Anna
Ulrikke Bondo	...	Kirsten
Bent Mejding	...	Erik's father
Aase Hansen	...	Erik's mother (as Åse Hansen)
Arne Hansen	...	Bjørns father
Lone Lindorff	...	Bjørn's mother
Thomas Nielsen	...	Bjørn's littlebrother Henning
Malene Schwartz	...	Kirsten's mother
Troels Munk	...	Kirsten's father
Helle Spangaard	...	Kirsten's sister Inge
Kurt Ravn	...	Kurt
Grethe Mogensen	...	Anna's mother
Elga Olga Svendsen	...	Bjørn's grandmother (as Elga Olga)

Storyline

Danish teens come of age in 1963. Bjorn and Erik are close friends. Bjorn is pursued by Kirsten, a future Stepford wife, but he falls for Anna, who initiates him into love and sex. Erik is somber, caring for his home-bound mentally-ill mother while his strict father rules his life. He desires Kirsten, but she's unattainable. Pregnancy, a horrific abortion, an engagement party, and a revelation about the rectitude of Erik's father lead to a climax: Bjorn and Erik must stand up to controlling adults.

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Plot Keywords:

postpartum depression | opening a bottle of wine | payphone | telephone booth | pill | 

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama | Music

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Details

Country:

Denmark

Language:

Danish

Release Date:

26 September 1986 (USA)

Also Known As:

Twist and Shout

Filming Locations:

Amalienborg, Copenhagen, Denmark

Company Credits

Production Co:

Per Holst Filmproduktion, Palle Fogtdal A/S, Danmarks Radio (DR)

Technical Specs

Sound Mix:

Dolby Stereo

Color:

Color (Eastmancolor)

Did You Know?

Connections

Follows Zappa (1983)

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Soundtracks

Twist and Shout
(uncredited)
Written by Phil Medley & Bert Berns

User Reviews

A solid and versatile narration, but not among Bille August's best

As I know the Danish language and society, I include, from time to time, some Danish films or series into my watching list. Particularly those dealing with events before 1990ies, before my personal experience with this great nation and country. And as Bille August is one of the best known Danish directors in the world, it is logical that Tro, håb og kærlighed would appear sooner or later...

Well, I suppose "later", as I had seen hundreds of Danish creations already, including August's Pelle Erobreren, so my expectations were apparently too high. No, don't get me wrong, the film in question is skilfully directed and diversely performed (particularly all depicting Erik's family), plus provides a good overview of life in Danish cities in the 1960ies, but the story itself is not smooth, is somewhat "chopped", and some events / reactions by people are not realistic (e.g. during the wedding). The solution/ending is also adumbrative and, all in all, I am not sure that this film (with rather unfitting title in English) does bespeak the youth and families in the 21st century as well, thus not possessing durable approaches and values. But of course, the film is far above being mediocre.