Pelle the Conqueror
1987 · Movie · PG-13 · 157 min · ★ 7.3 · 79% critics
In the late 19th century, a father and his son emigrate from Sweden to Denmark in search of work and a way to eventually reach the United States. After arriving on Bornholm, they hope to secure a farm job—only to face a harsh, humiliating struggle for survival.
Based on Pelle the Conqueror
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Streaming on Kanopy and Viaplay — or rent from $1.99.
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Details
- Original title
- Pelle Erobreren
- Years
- 1987
- Release date
- 1987-12-21
- Language
- Danish
- Rated
- PG-13
- Runtime
- 157 min
- Critic score
- 79/100
- TMDB rating
- 7.3/10 (164 votes)
About
You’ll like this if you enjoy serious survival stories and emotionally grounded coming-of-age journeys in harsh settings; Not for you if you want lighter, fast-paced entertainment, or if grim films like Stand by Me or The New Land feel too heavy.
Pros: beautiful, weathered landscapes; moving father-son bond; memorable lead performances | Cons: very bleak; slow pacing; recurring hardships
Themes
- farm
- island
- based on novel or book
- farm worker
- bullying
- working class
- poverty
- class differences
- bornholm
- emigrant
- 19th century
- father son relationship
Awards & recognition
- Academy Award — Best International Feature Film · 1989
- European Film Award — Best Young Actor or Actress · 1988
- European Film Award — Best Actor · 1988
- Palme d'Or · 1988
- Bodil Award — Best Actor in a Supporting Role
Show all 20 awards →
- Bodil Award — Best Actress in a Supporting Role
- Bodil Award — Best Danish Film
- Bodil Award — Best Actor in a Leading Role
- Golden Globe Award — Best Non-English Language Film
- Greta
- Guldbagge Award — Best Film
- Guldbagge Award — Best Actor in a Leading Role
- Academy Award — Best Actor · 1989 · nominated
- Academy Award — Best International Feature Film · 1989 · nominated
- International Submission to the Academy Awards · 1989 · nominated
- European Film Award — Best Actor · 1988 · nominated
- European Film Award — Best Young Actor or Actress · 1988 · nominated
- European Film Award — Best Film · 1988 · nominated
- European Film Award — Best Supporting Actor · 1988 · nominated
- BAFTA Award — Best Film Not in the English Language · nominated
Cast & crew
Pelle Hvenegaard
as Pelle Karlsson
Max von Sydow
as Lasse Karlsson - Farmhand
Erik Paaske
as Stengården Foreman
Björn Granath
as Erik - Swedish Farm Worker
Astrid Villaume
as Mrs. Kongstrup
Axel Strøbye
as Kongstrup - Kungsgården Landlord
Troels Asmussen
as Rud - A Boy
Kristina Törnqvist
as Anna - Stengården Maid
Karen Wegener
as Madam Olsen
Sofie Gråbøl
as Miss Sine - Mrs. Kongstrup's Niece
Directed by Bille August