Review of Ordet (1955) by Paul D — 09 Jun 2011

Thursday, June 9, 2011.

(1955) Ordet.

(In Danish with English subtitles).

Story taken from a Danish play originally written by Kaj Munk, this is legendary film maker Carl Dreyer (The Passion of Joan of Arc) adaption of that play for the theatrical screen! To fully appreciate this film, one would have to be religious, patient and aware about some of Denmarks history which centers on two warring families with two different religions still continue to hold grudges with each other when learning that one of the sons is falling for the other family's daughter! Despite clocking in at more than two hours, watching this film at times, felt long because of the many Biblical passages, quotations and overtones, one may be able to hear at their Sunday church! What's interesting about the film are the reference about how each of the two different Christian religions used to fought against the other religion in terms of violent means and are no longer fighting anymore, but still continue to hold some contempt in a civilized fashion or without any physical confrontations with one another which is no different than other countries who're similar or are like this type of situation as it describes!

The acting done by the actors almost appear to have a zombie- like trance and at times does look like a play because of the lack of pictures on the walls or the amount of things in the rooms that barely show almost next to nothing in them is all supposed to be irrevelent if the film is centered on how the story is being told, which can be defined as another great centerpiece by a legendary film maker Dreyer! Great ending as well!

Strong.

3 out of 4.