Ordet (1955)
Genre: Drama
Duration: 126 minuten
Alternative title: The Word
Country:
Denmark
Directed by: Carl Theodor Dreyer
Stars: Henrik Malberg, Emil Hass Christensen and Preben Lerdorff Rye
IMDb score:
8,2 (19.054)
Releasedate: 9 January 1955
This movie is not available on US streaming services.
Ordet plot
"A Legend for Today"
The sons of Danish farmer Morten Borgen all three have problems with their religion. The first doubts his faith, the second wants to marry a woman of another religion, and the third believes he is Christ.
Actors and actresses
Morten Borgen (uncredited)
Inger Borgen (uncredited)
Mikkel Borgen (uncredited)
Johannes Borgen (uncredited)
Anders Borgen (uncredited)
Peter Petersen (uncredited)
Anne Petersen (uncredited)
Kirstin Petersen (uncredited)
Maren Borgen (uncredited)
Lilleinger Borgen (uncredited)
Reviews & comments
Onderhond
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- 87698 messages
- 13075 votes
The drama of faith.
Bergman and Tarkovsky made them too; I can't connect with them at all. Two hours of hyped-up drama revolving around faith. Who believes what, who doesn't believe, who doesn't really believe anymore—these are themes that haven't managed to captivate me for years.
It doesn't help that Dreyer makes his film incredibly static. Dialogue is recited, the camera attempts to move as little as possible, and the set design is extremely sparse. It is as if you are watching a low-budget play, especially the scenes that take place indoors.
Despite some excitement towards the end, this is a film that failed to charm me for a single second. The theme is mostly irritating rather than engaging or memorable, the set design is stoically dull, and the acting is forced. And then there is Preben Lerdorff Rye, who might unintentionally elicit laughter, but portrays just about the most terrible character ever.
0.5*
Translated from Dutch · View original
Film Pegasus (moderator films)
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- 31397 messages
- 5577 votes
I certainly enjoy old Hollywood films from the first half of the last century. Or European films from the 1950s and 60s. But Ordet feels very distant to me as a film. I completely miss the charm of this film. A film full of symbolism that unfortunately doesn't connect with me much, even though I was raised Catholic myself. There are beautiful images occasionally, but unfortunately, I don't see the beauty that I see in many reviews here. The style reminds me somewhat of Bergman, whose films I also always watch with mixed feelings. Probably important at the time, but I can't do much with it.
Translated from Dutch · View original
Dievegge
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- 3211 messages
- 8295 votes
In this philosophically tinged drama, five different currents within Lutheranism are explored. The tailor Petersen belongs to a sect burdened by a sense of sin, constantly down in the dumps. The head of the household Morten Borgen, on the other hand, believes that while one may seek joy in earthly life, he too regards setbacks as the will of God. The doctor is a rationalist who believes solely in what can be empirically verified. The minister represents the institution of the Church, which propagates a hollowed-out form of faith.
The fifth tendency is that of the youngest son, Johannes. He comes across as a madman, but ultimately he proves to be the most truthful. He does not want to discuss religion, but rather to proclaim "the Word". He abandons rational thinking and relies on faith, trusting that miracles are possible even in this day and age. In doing so, he represents the view of Søren Kierkegaard, who was deeply religious but rejected the Danish state church.
The impossible love between Anders and Anne, scions of rival families, provides a romantic storyline. Inger brings steadfastness and harmony, so it is terrible when she, of all people, threatens to fall away.
An average take lasts longer than a minute. Often, one face or one object is brightly lit, while shadows are visible elsewhere. That contrast between light and dark suits the theme of good and evil, of true and false faith. A beautiful outdoor shot is when John stands on a hill like a prophetic figure with clouds in the background. For a modern audience, the theological debates and the leisurely pace will be a challenge, but it is worth taking the time for this.
Translated from Dutch · View original
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