Medea (1988)

Medea is in Corinth with Jason and their two young sons. King Kreon wants to reward Jason for his exploits: he gives the hand of his daughter, Glauce, to Jason as well as the promise of the... See full summary »

Director:

Lars von Trier

Writers:

Euripides (play), Carl Theodor Dreyer (original screenplay)

Stars:

Udo Kier, Kirsten Olesen, Henning Jensen

Cast

Cast overview:
Udo Kier	...	Jason
Kirsten Olesen	...	Medea
Henning Jensen	...	Kreon
Solbjørg Højfeldt	...	Ammen
Preben Lerdorff Rye	...	Paedragon
Baard Owe	...	Aiceus
Ludmilla Glinska	...	Glauce
Vera Gebuhr	...	Aeldre Terne
Jonny Kilde	...	Store Dreng
Richard Kilde	...	Lille Dreng
Dick Kaysø	...	Jasons Stemme
Mette Munk Plum	...	Glauces Stemme

Storyline

Medea is in Corinth with Jason and their two young sons. King Kreon wants to reward Jason for his exploits: he gives the hand of his daughter, Glauce, to Jason as well as the promise of the throne. In exchange, Medea and the boys are to be banished. Jason explains that his actions ensure a rich future for Medea and her sons. She asks that she be allowed to stay; Kreon refuses. She asks for one more day, and begs Jason to seek the king's permission to allow their sons to stay in Corinth. Jason agrees and Medea prepares a gift for her sons to give to Glauce. Will Medea leave peacefully?

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Plot Keywords:

greek tragedy | revenge | based on play | greece | ancient greece | 

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Genres:

Drama

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Details

Country:

Denmark

Language:

Danish

Release Date:

1 April 1988 (Denmark)

Also Known As:

Медея

Filming Locations:

Denmark

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$2,379, 20 April 2003

Gross USA:

$16,714

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$16,714

Company Credits

Production Co:

Danmarks Radio (DR)

Technical Specs

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Connections

Referenced in The Making of 'Europa' (1991)

User Reviews

Stunning - a schocking masterpiece, burns itself into your mind!

Lars von Trier´s adaptation of the ancient Greek play (HIS tribute to Carl Th. Dreyer, who originally wrote the manuscript but never got around to filming it) is absolutely stunning.

The actors´ performances (above all Kirsten Olesen, incidentally one of Denmark´s top actresses makes you gasp), the wide landscapes and carefully selected sparse dialogue, but especially Lars von Trier´s direction makes this film a shocking look into the disturbed mind of a woman who has been scorned and left. Medea´s revenge is horrible but never unbelievable. She does what every sane person would do, when deprived of all that she loves. The film burns itself into your mind and leaves you with a lasting impression of what human misery can be like.

A veritable piece of art, belonging up there with most of von Trier´s works - and above all up there with ALL of Dreyer´s works!