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.
Twist and Shout
1984 [DANISH]
Action / Comedy / Drama / Music
Plot summary
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.
Uploaded by: FREEMAN
June 02, 2022 at 10:05 AM
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A solid and versatile narration, but not among Bille August's best
Touching, solid coming-of-age film
Another solid film from Bille August about adolescence in Denmark the 60s - 1963 this time.
This is even a little stronger than August's 'Zappa', if not quite up to Roy Andersson's somewhat similar, brilliant 'A Swedish Love Story'.
The Scandinavians seem to have a knack for making emotionally complex films about adolescence.
As with 'Zappa' some of this feels very familiar (first love, leading to pregnancy and to abortion that ruins the romance), and some feels a bit forced or unrealistic (would the parents of an upper-class, clearly upwardly mobile and socially conscious family really be quite so positive about their daughter marrying a boy from a humble working class home?).
But the two male leads are very good, and there's a lot of specifics and idiosyncrasies that far outweigh the clichés.